
Class 3 X6 f'lS 

Book_ 

G)RyiigM]Sf?_ 




COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



# 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY 



REV. JOHN BANGS, 



OF THE NEW-YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 






A VINDICATION OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION: 

AND REMARKS ON CHURCH MEMBERSHIP, 

DIVISION OF THE CHURCH, ETC. 



I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.— 1 Corinthians x, 15. 



PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR 
1846, 




£<^ 






V > 



^ 



" Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, by John 
Bangs, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern 
District of New- York." 












~ - * * 



V » 



PREFACE. 



Little can be said in favor of a book 
that conveys no instruction. Were I of 
opinion that no good would result from 
my having written the following pages, 
I should at once abandon the idea of 
publishing them ; but I entertain no such 
notion. I have, indeed, written about 
myself; but I do not conceive that this 
circumstance need at all detract from the 
usefulness which I hope will be the result 
My profession is and has been that of a 
preacher — to warn, to exhort, and to in- 
struct; and if this book shall subserve, in 
any degree, the design and object of my 
life, I do not see but that its publication 
may be as useful as "the preaching of 
so many sermons." 



4 PREFACE. 

The writing of biographies has been 
pursued and commended by persons of 
almost every shade of character. We 
have, therefore, not only memoirs of dis- 
tinguished persons, but of those who have 
held humble stations in society. They 
are in fact a distinct and legitimate branch 
of history. 

In the following pages the reader will 
find little else than a parcel of scraps, to 
which I have endeavored to give a degree 
of connection and interest. As to the 
character of their reception, I might affect 
either an apologetic or indifferent mood. 
I will just say, however, that I make no 
pretensions whatever to writing ; and that 
the character of the matter, and the un- 
favorable auspices under which I have 
written, have been such as almost to de- 
feat the design of producing anything 
readable. 

My views are fully set forth in my 
observations on church membership, and 
they will explain themselves. 



PREFACE. 



I also conceived the present a fitting 
opportunity to say a few words respecting 
the division of the church, which has re- 
cently so greatly agitated our body, and 
been the cause of so much bootless con- 
troversy. 

I have also appended a vindication of 
the Christian religion, which I thought 
would be of considerable use to some of 
my friends, and that particular portion of 
the Methodist society among whom the 
book, if at all, would be most likely to cir- 
culate. I have an idea that the work will 
probably meet with the most ready sale 
among those friends with whom I be- 
came personally acquainted in the course 
of my travels. To them I commend 
it, hoping the blessing of God will go 
with it. In fact, what led me to under- 
take the task of compiling, was a sug- 
gestion from some of them of my con- 
tinuing the publication of some pieces 
which I last winter had inserted in the 
Christian Advocate and Journal. I came 









6 PREFACE. 

to the conclusion, that, instead of con- 
tinuing them in that way, I would collect 
and imbody what I had to say in the 
form of a small volume ; they have here- 
with the result, and I trust they will receive 
it kindly. They know me, and I hope 
they will be both edified and pleased. 

I am their most obedient servant and 
brother in Christ, 

John Bangs. 

d, N. Y. r 1846. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth — Removed to New-York — Learned the blacksmith's 
trade — Timely reproof — Minister at a ball — Brought to convic- 
tion — Religious impressions wear off— Calvinism — An incident 
— Spirituous liquors — Death of a drunkard — Hardship — Not 
keeping sabbath — Means blessed to my benefit — Partially 
awakened — Thrown upon the world without resources — Ad- 
monitions of a pious sister — Wander from place to place — 
Obtain employment — Matrimonial engagement — Remove to 
Kortright — Death of my wife — Points of discipline — Christian 
experience — Convictions increase — Experience religion — Inci- 
dent of a lady and girl — Various exercises — Go to meeting — 
Begin to publish that Christ died for sinners — Visit from house 
to house — Definite evidence — Class meetings — License from 
quarterly meeting — License to preach — Ordained deacon — 
Travel as a local preacher — Reproving sinners — Sick lady 
— Continue to preach — Love-feasts — Revival — Camp meeting — 
Five apprentices experience religion— John D. Bangs — Keeler 
— Lemuel — Joseph Sandford — Allopaths — Nathan. . P. 11 

CHAPTER II. 

Good health and manhood — Advantage of having religion — 
Industrious — A pretended Christian — Going west — Enter the 
traveling connection — Estimate of my property — Experience — 
Conditions of membership — Holiness — Gold and costly apparel 
— Purity of the church — Reflections — Literature and spirituality 
— A minister must have the Holy Ghost — Means by which my 
faith was strengthened before sanctification — Baptism of the 
Holy Ghost — Defective education — Appearance of evil — Incident 
of the card players — Spirituous liquor — Tobacco — SnufF — Smok- 
ing- — Tea — An awful circumstance — A valuable recipe — Ap- 
pearance of evil — Reflections on gold and extravagance. . 61 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

COMPRISING MY ITINERANT LIFE FROM THE YEAR 1819 
TO 1823. 
Sharon circuit — Quarterly meeting — Suffocation — Preaching 
— A revival — The assemblyman and his son — The society flou- 
rishes — Building a church — Steeples — Holy ministers — Instru- 
ments of music in the house of God — The two wooden bowls 
and halter — The case of a medical man — A singular dream — 
Many souls converted — Sacramental occasion — My apprehen- 
sion at Summit — Conversion of those implicated — Five o'clock 
meeting — Baptism by immersion and sprinkling — Start for 
conference — Return and preach — Increase — Circuit divided — 
Appointed to Jefferson — Reading of rules — Incidents — Brother 
Charles Chase — A garden that I spaded up — Advice to younger 
brethren with regard to fifth collections — Conduct of Presby- 
terians — Two days' meeting — Dr. Barrett — -Erection of church 
at Gilboa — Presbyterians sneer— Sermon by Dr. Barrett — 
Church at Blenheim — Anti-renters — Church built at Stamford — 
Camp meeting — Order at camp meetings — Stone thrown at me 
— Case of a lad, fourteen years old — Windham— Love-feast — 
The ball — Work prosperous — Causes of reformation. . P. 98 

CHAPTER IV. 

Delaware circuit — Number of accessions — Long and tedious 
routes — Case of the unconverted judge — The dying woman — 
Another incident — Conversion of an infidel — Traveling and 
hospitable entertainment — Domestic difficulties — Unpleasant 
feelings — The lady in New-York — Good times — Firm people — 
Meeting — Case of the old lady — Woman converted in a family 
prayer meeting — Camp meeting — Order and harmony — Per- 
sons sanctified — A circumstance — Narration of a serious calamity 
and sad catastrophe — Several sketches 140 

CHAPTER V. 

Coeymans circuit — Removal of my family — Disagreeable 
communication — Revivals — Home Missionary Society — Col- 
lection of funds — The subject submitted to conference — Brother 



CONTENTS, y 

* 
Harvey Brown appointed missionary — Brown useful — I return 
to Jefferson — Embarrassing circumstances — Remarks — Points 
of discipline — Camp meeting — Justification and sanctification — 
Good done at camp meeting — Reflections — Persecution — Shav- 
ing off the tail and mane of my horse — Ludicrous appearance — 
Durham circuit — Five o'clock meeting — A fact set forth — Con- 
tinue to labor — My horse sheared and wagon loaded with stones 
— Preach in a school-house — Camp meeting — Power and energy 
of preachers at camp meetings — I take a supernumerary rela- 
tion — Aggregate number of accessions — Poor health — Burning 
of my barn, etc. — Loss of property — Providence of God mys- 
terious — Barnes Baird — Prospect of usefulness — I go to New- 
York — My second marriage — Warren Journal — Children's 
meeting — Orphan boy — Labors in New- York — White Plains — 
Project for the amelioration of children. . . . P. 172 

CHAPTER VI. 

VINDICATION OF THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN 
RELIGION. 
Introduction — Difficulty of the subject — Matters of fact re- 
corded of Christ true — Stress of the cause rests upon the proof 
of matters of fact — Division of the subject — The marks of the 
truth of matters of fact in general — These marks applied to the 
subject, and the argument commenced — Application — Four addi- 
tional marks — These marks stated, and the argument pursued 
— Recapitulation — Solemn address to the reader. . . 225 

CHAPTER VII. 

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 

Preliminary remarks — Must let God's word speak — Quota- 
tions from Scripture, with accompanying comments, descrip- 
tive of the church — What is necessaiy to be constituted mem- 
bers of the church — Qualification of holiness — The argument — 
God is holy — All that proceeds from Him must be like him — 
None can be in union with Him but those that are holy — A 
lengthy question and answer — Exposition of our views — Con- 
clusion — Summary entrance into chapter eight. . .257 



10 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. 

Every man should stand in his own lot, proved from Romans 
— Amount of loss sustained by disputation — No necessity for 
it — How to obviate the difficulty for the future — Divers ques- 
tions, explanatory of the causes of some things — Resumption 
of the remedy to obviate the difficulty in future — Reflections — 
Purity of the church must be perpetuated — Church must be 
assisted by the Spirit of God — God works by human means — 
Holiness insisted upon — Digression on Texas— Subject resumed 
— Something better than contention P. 275 

CHAPTER IX, 

DRUNKENNESS AND GLUTTONY. 

Quotations from Scripture, with comments — Case of the 
drunken young man on board of the steamboat — Quotations 
continued — Remarks on alcohol — The exercise of common sense 
and logic — Gluttony — What constitutes gluttony— Theory of 
vegetation — Conclusion. ...... 297 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth — Removed to New-York — Learned the blacksmith's 
trade — Timely reproof — Minister at a ball — Brought to convic- 
tion — Religious impressions wear off— Calvinism — An incident 
— Spirituous liquors — Death of a drunkard — Hardship — Not 
keeping sabbath — Means blessed to my benefit — Partially 
awakened — Thrown upon the world without resources — Ad- 
monitions of a pious sister — Wander from place to place — 
Obtain employment — Matrimonial engagement — Remove to 
Kortright — Death of my wife — Points of discipline — Christian 
experience — Convictions increase — Experience religion — Inci- 
dent of a lady and girl — Various exercises — Go to meeting — 
Begin to publish that Christ died for sinners — Visit from house 
to house — Definite evidence — Class meetings — License from 
quarterly meeting — License to preach — Ordained deacon — 
Travels as a local preacher — Reproving sinners — Sick lady 
— Continue to preach — Love-feasts — Revival — Camp meeting — 
Five apprentices experience religion — John D. Bangs — Keeler 
— Lemuel — Joseph Sandford — Allopaths — Nathan. 

I was born in the year 1781, at about the close 
of the Revolutionary War, in the town of Strat- 
ford, state of Connecticut. Shortly after, I was 
removed to Fairfield, a place near Bridgeport, 
then called Paquanock. 

"When I was eleven years of age, my father 
and family left that place for the town of Stam- 
ford, Delaware co., state of New- York, whereat, 



12 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

and with whom, I resided until the age of seven- 
teen. From that, up to the age of about twenty- 
one, I lived with David Wilcox, of Harpers- 
field, and there learned the trade of a blacksmith. 

Seven years of this time I was almost entirely 
lost, as to moral and religious influences. The 
man with whom I learned my trade being irre- 
ligious, and without restraint upon himself, re- 
quired very little of me — though his wife was a 
woman that feared God. For the encouragement 
of women having the charge of oYphan children, 
or otherwise, I would say in favor of this wo- 
man, that, as I was much addicted to profanity, 
her godly reproof — given at a suitable time, and 
in a mild and Christian manner — was the means 
of awakening my mind to a sense of the evils of 
profane swearing. As to the cause of this habit, 
I may say that I learned it of my parents ; not by 
their example, indeed, but by their negligence, 
in allowing me to associate in bad company, 
profaning and desecrating the sabbath, and going 
to balls, which at that period, in the new settle- 
ments, was very customary. 

Sabbath schools were not in existence at that 
time. Experimental religion was a thing almost 
entirely unknown. There was a society that 
attended to the external forms of religion, under 
the name of high churchmen. I had more 
than once had the company of the minister and 
his lady in the ball-room — a disgrace to the 
minister, and he alone, undoubtedly, being 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 18 

responsible for it. To the credit of a faithful 
pastor (who ought always to feel the worth of 
souls) I was then brought to a sense of my 
condition — by the preaching of a Baptist minis- 
ter. In consequence of the company that I kept 
my serious impressions wore off, in pursuit of 
the gayeties of this life. While in this state of 
darkness and ignorance, my regular place of 
attending divine worship was where the pecu- 
liarities of Calvinism were invariably preached ; 
and the most that I can recollect now is, that 
the minister would say, the reason we did 
not believe that doctrine, was because we were 
reprobates. I must confess that I never could 
see the propriety of believing any doctrine if I 
were a reprobate. All doctrines were alike to 
me, in that point of view — so that I cared for 
none. 

The Bible and religion formed no part of our 
conversation, except by way of criticism. "When 
my master's parents, who were professors of re- 
ligion, visited us, he would say : " Now John, 
you must hang up swearing, to dry, till the old 
folks are gone." 

O the goodness and mercy of God, while 
Christ pleads for sinners ! One day as I was 
passing across a board, about eight feet from the 
timbers beneath, it broke, and I fell with a bas- 
ket of corn upon my shoulder, I was but slightly 
hurt. I came into the shop swearing most bit- 
terly. My master gave me no reproof or advice ; 



14 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

but a certain judge, a Quaker, being present, 
instead of giving me reproof, according to the 
Bible, said, " I did'nt think you could swear so," 
which made no particular impression upon my 
mind. 

I will here subjoin a short sketch, to show the 
evils of the practice of the common use of distil- 
led liquors. In the family and in the shop where 
I lived they were as common as water. My 
master, whom I had often known to reprove 
persons for being intoxicated, was in the habit 
of making use of spirituous liquors himself, 
moderately; he became, finally, so much ad- 
dicted to their use, as to have formed the habit 
of always having them by him in small quantities, 
and then in larger, when finally he became a 
drunkard and while in a state of inebriety went 
to bed and died before morning, in consequence. 
This practice became very familiar to me, and, 
had it not been for the influence of religion, I 
might have pursued the same course, and ended 
in the same way. 

It may well be supposed that we were not 
rich in those days, as we were often obliged to 
travel on horseback from Stamford to Durham, 
a distance of thirty miles, for provisions, and 
were often very glad to have the most common 
fare. This was a time of hardship and suf- 
fering. 

I believe, for myself, that the not keeping the 
sabbath is one of the greatest causes of im- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 15 

morality and degradation among youth. I was 
often obliged to post books on that day; and 
indulged in fishing, visiting, and often fell in bad 
company, which I now can see was one great 
means of my neglect of God and the salvation 
of my soul. It is necessarily the province of 
parents to prevent the desecration of this day, 
and they should fully attend to this duty, for ob- 
vious reasons. It ought to be remembered that 
children do not understand what is for their own 
good, therefore they should be under strict super- 
vision, and trained up in the way they should go. 
To the honor of my parents, I remember to have 
had deep impressions of religion made upon my 
mind when I was but a child. These hints are 
not to be slightly passed over, unless we would 
wish to ruin our children. 

Though different means have been blessed to 
my benefit, yet I must attribute my awakenings, 
convictions, justification, regeneration, and sanc- 
tification, to the influence of that grace that 
bringeth salvation, that hath appeared to all men. 
And this grace will always teach us to deny all 
ungodliness. I Was led to forsake my ways of 
wickedness by degrees. The first sin that I 
remember breaking off from was profane swear- 
ing. Dancing, the sound of the violin, and gay 
company held me long. And when I felt the 
necessity of coming out, and leaving my asso- 
ciates, it was like taking the flesh from my bones. 
I long desired to be a Christian, but was un- 



16 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 

willing to avow it, or have any one know my 
feelings. I was so far awakened that I con- 
sidered religion to be good, and sacred ; so much 
so, that I was unwilling to disgrace it, by pro- 
fessing it, and then acting contrary to that pro- 
fession, which, notwithstanding, I can now see 
that I have too often done. But then we were 
comparatively ignorant, and without experience; 
and I request all who read these lines to cast the 
mantle of charity over all my former misdoings. 
When I was in my twenty-second year, which 
was in 1803, I was thrown upon the world 
with but few friends, and limited means. I fell 
in company with a man about eighty miles to 
the north, in the town of Norway, "West Canada 
Creek, who agreed to employ me for a year, be- 
ginning the first of October ; and, as I always 
considered myself under obligation to fulfill my 
word, I was there by the time appointed ; but, 
when starting to go to this place, leaving my 
father's house, a pious and devoted sister accom- 
panied me on my way ; and when about to part 
she held me by the hand, and appeared to be 
unwilling to let me go. I looked her in the face, 
and beheld the tears coursing down from a coun- 
tenance impressed with sorrow and anxiety. I 
could not think what was the matter, until she 
said to me, " My dear brother, remember, if you 
die in your sins, where God and Christ is you 
will neve* come." She turned away from me, 
and I passed on. This parting speech wounded 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 17 

my heart, and had a thunderbolt literally struck 
me I could not have felt much worse. I arrived 
at the place before mentioned, and found myself 
disappointed, in consequence of the want of 
that trait in my master — so necessary in every 
man's character — fidelity. I hence wandered 
from place to place, which I found to be no dis- 
advantage to my small stock of knowledge. 
The Spirit of the Lord continued to follow me 
in all this journey. I often thought that God 
regarded me in answer to the prayers of my 
pious friends. To be more particular, one after- 
noon, while passing from Utica to West Canada 
Creek, with a pack on my back weighing about 
forty pounds, I lost my path, and wandered in 
the night in the woods, homesick and sinsick. 
After worrying myself into a state of exhaustion 
I came out of the woods to the creek. Not 
knowing which way to turn in order to find the 
village, there being no inhabitants on that side 
of the river, I luckily took the upward course, 
and came to the village, which was on the op- 
posite side, and no way appearing by which to 
cross but on the string-pieces of a bridge that was 
then being constructed, twenty feet from the 
rocks over the falls, I started to walk on one of 
the sleepers of the bridge, and, when about half 
way across, I found my head dizzy, and myself 
in danger of falling. I however succeeded in 
crossing, by placing my sack on one side and 
myself on the other, and thus hitching myself 



18 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

over. I went to the tavern, took some refresh- 
ment, and retired, feeling as I cannot describe. 
In the morning I called on a brother craftsman 
for employment. He engaged me at fifteen 
dollars per month. By performing more labor 
than was customary, my wages amounted to 
nineteen dollars per month. After being absent 
from home three months I returned with much 
pleasure, carrying with me forty-five dollars, in 
silver, more than I had when I started. 

My inducement to return was with a view to 
enter into a matrimonial engagement. This was 
consummated during the month of January, about 
a year after. Soon after this, myself and wife 
removed to the town of Kortright, where we 
continued for the space of about forty years. 
After the expiration of this time we removed to 
Harpersfield, Delaware county, where, after much 
labor, sickness, and suffering on the part of my 
wife, in the peaceful enjoyment of pure religion, 
on the 12th day of March, 1845, she took her 
departure to a world of peace and joy, where 
sickness and sorrow, pain and death, will never 
come. The following obituary, which was pub- 
lished in the Christian Advocate and Journal, 
will not be out of place here : — 

March 12 — At her residence in Harpersfield^ 
Mary, wife of the Rev. John Bangs, of the New- 
York Conference, aged 62 years. 

Tfye subject of this notice in early life was 
taught the peculiar doctrines of Calvinism ; and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 19 

at a time when under deep concern of mind, 
while attending a conference meeting, a minister 
observed it was an abomination in the sight of 
God for a sinner to pray, and she then concluded 
she would pray no more, as she already felt her- 
self sufficiently vile and wicked. Possessing 
naturally a gay and lively turn of mind, her 
serious impressions in a measure wore away. 
During this period we were united in marriage, 
and soon after we became deeply convinced of 
sin, and in the bitterness of our souls were led to 
pray, God be merciful to us sinners. Glory to 
God! he was not slow to hear, nor impotent 
to save. On one memorable sabbath evening, 
while engaged for the first time in family prayer, 
my soul was set at perfect liberty, the evidence 
of which I have never lost. And here I would 
insert one thing to incite to faithfulness in the 
full discharge of ministerial duty. Under the 
faithful labors of an itinerating minister, and a 
sense of my natural depravity, I was brought to 
see that it was my privilege not only to be justi- 
fied by faith, but to have a clean heart, which 
blessing God gave me by the baptism of the 
Holy Ghost ; and though I have sometimes given 
way to temptation and grieved the Spirit, yet I 
have held on my way, and grown stronger and 
stronger, and now enjoy the blessing of perfect 
love, which casteth out all fear that hath torment. 
Having thus deviated to tell a little of my per- 
sonal experience, I now return. 



20 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 

My wife continued to seek, and one sabbath 
accompanied me to church. After the exercises 
she requested to join the class as a seeker, and 
was admitted. After returning home her distress 
of mind increased until the next morning, when, 
while engaged in prayer and reading the Scrip- 
tures, her soul was brought into unspeakable enjoy- 
ment in believing. On my coming in, she said, 
" Where have you been so long ?" I replied, 
"What do you want?" She answered, " I want 
you to help me to praise God. It seems to me, if 
you had had religion, you would have told me of 
its excellences before. See how all nature declares 
the power, goodness, and love of God to men." 
She then immediately united with the church, of 
which she continued a faithful and acceptable 
member for more than forty years. She exem- 
plified her faithfulness by her love and attach- 
ment to the doctrines and usages of the M. E. 
Church. She was ever ready to entertain the 
missionaries of the cross; and in my absence 
she invariably Jed in the family devotions. Her 
industry, and love of serious and historical read- 
ing, were proverbial. Her work and book were 
ever by her side, especially the History of the M. E. 
Church, a set of which had been presented her 
by the author. She was familiar with the his- 
tory of the Christian church from its rise, and 
took a deep interest in whatever concerned the 
prosperity and welfare of that branch of which 
she had the honor to be a member. She was 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 21 

the mother of ten children, three of whom died 
in infancy. She had also the care and provided 
for the wants of ten not her own, during different 
periods of her life, all of whom, we have reason 
to hope, have been made believers in the Chris- 
tian religion, three of whom are ministers. This 
weight of care, which was much increased by 
my frequent and long tours from home in the 
former part of my itinerancy, together with the 
fracture of a limb, had imperceptibly undermined 
her constitution. 

From these successive shocks, however, she 
was in a measure recovering, when the sudden 
and unexpected death of a beloved son (in a 
strange land) severely shook both her health and 
spirits, and then in a few months another son, 
and his young and amiable wife, were taken 
from us within a few days of each other. This 
son, who had just entered the ministry, and whose 
deep piety and zealous labors led us to anticipate 
a life of more than ordinary usefulness and hap- 
piness, she deeply lamented ; but she mourned 
in submission, and never relaxed in her faithful 
and untiring endeavors for the comfort and wel- 
fare of those who remained. But another, and, 
if possible, a still heavier trial awaited her ; an- 
other son, also in the bloom of youth, she was 
called to see wither and die. These, with the 
death of her excellent mother, and more recently, 
of two sisters, gradually sapped the foundation 
of life, and made way for the rapid progress and 






«toGEAPHV OF JOHN BANGS. 
22 AVTO-BXOGKA.H arri val OU 

fatal termination of disease. x h&d b n 

March 4th from New-Y^J ^ tolerab ie 
most of the wmter, \ to ™, 7th B he observed, 

heath; ^"SS^i «•**" 
S How well and ^^ Business ealled me 
thankful we «^ t ^^. on my return the 
for a short time ^j^ ttat e with a violent 
same day, I found her pr hich con- 

cur and^nflanrmauonoi the ^ 

tinned to *^J% '"aid to me, « W' J 
her time was short she ^ prayed that 

She gave the signal, and d ^ the 

ceased breathing, for h« ^ ^^ f 

cessation of life than the ^ der our foss to 
death; and inasmuch as we ithhuro . 

£t; eternal gain, we^y nddd 

m eet the Lord m 
? ^ ord - a- marriage with the subject 01 

I was united m » a ™*| d of January, 1804, 
the above notice on he ^ ^ g 

* the Te* H;Ja"Wsbyterian; andafter 
at that place. Wewa 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 23 

the ceremony he proposed some very important 
questions on the subject of religion, more par- 
ticularly to myself, which added to the degree 
of conviction under which I was then laboring, 
in favor of the attainment of this great blessing, 
instead of the usual mirth and feasting attendant 
upon such occasions. 

This topic is so important, that I cannot for- 
bear making some remarks upon it, and some 
other points of Discipline. Might there not be a 
vast amount of good accomplished by every 
officer, and especially Methodist minister, intro- 
ducing this all-important subject on these occa- 
sions ? Impressions made at these times would 
be apt to prove lasting and beneficial. 

The General Rules of the Discipline require 
all the members of the church to exhort all that 
they have any intercourse with. If this course 
were pursued according to the letter and spirit of 
the rule, by ministers only, how many thousands 
might thus be awakened who now pass on in 
ignorance and darkness ! How many other oc- 
casions are there on which this rule might be 
observed with happy effect, especially in connec- 
tion with youth ! And what set of men have 
more free access to families and children than 
Methodist ministers, everywhere and at all times, 
and indeed to every grade, shade, and department 
of life and society ! In view of the neglect of 
this duty, will not the blood of many souls be 
required at the hands of the watchmen ? And 



24 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

who among us is willing to incur such a re- 
sponsibility ? 

I have no objection to Bishop Hedding, or any 
other man, making an explanation of the Disci- 
pline of our church. No man who has taken 
upon himself our solemn ordination vows could 
be so derelict of duty as to neglect the full per- 
formance of the obligations specified in the Dis- 
cipline connected with himself as an individual. 
For instance, does the presiding elder inquire at 
every quarterly meeting whether the rules con- 
cerning children axe observed ? " Is the first part 
of item 7, in section fifth, also observed: 'Be 
serious : let your motto be, Holiness to the Lord ; 
avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking. 5 " 
Sec. 9, item 9, " Be ashamed of nothing but sin." 
" Are you going on to perfection ?" " Do you 
expect to be made perfect in love in this life ?" 
" Are you groaning after it ?" Or, would it not 
be, more properly speaking, Have you it in pos- 
session ? More on this point hereafter. 

" To warn all, from time to time, that none are 
to remove without a certificate of recommenda- 
tion, in these words: — A. B., the bearer, has 
been an acceptable member of our church in 

C , and to inform them, that without such a 

certificate they will not be received into the 
church in other places." In commenting on this 
rule, we wish to give expression to an opinion of 
our own. We think that this rule will not admit 
a member to join in another place, even on trial. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 25 

By the neglect on the part of him on whom this 
duty devolves, the church has frequently been 
made to suffer great disgrace, and to be put to 
much trouble. To illustrate the matter : A man 
in Connecticut moves to Michigan, has no letter 
when removing, and is guilty of a capital crime ; 
he makes his various excuses for not being in 
possession of a certificate — his removal was sud- 
den, the preacher was absent, &c. "Well, upon 
the strength of these reasons he is* received, and 
gains his standing in that place. Shortly his 
character follows him. May we not now see, 
that the church would have been saved the dis- 
grace attending such a course of procedure, had 
the rule been unflinchingly adhered to ? Another 
item : — " To read the rules of the society, with 
the aid of the other preachers, once a year in 
every congregation, and once a quarter in every 
society ;" sec. 10, item 9, ch. 1. This duty we 
consider to be of an imperative character. Do 
we not sometimes violate that other rule of Dis- 
cipline, which says, " Keep these rules, and not 
mend them." Is it not possible, by reading these 
rules to the congregations, that more good might 
result than a year's labor from the pulpit without 
it? The following incident is a case in point : — 
An old lady in a certain place, from false report, 
had formed unfavorable prejudices against the 
Methodists, and thought one day she would at- 
tend their meeting and make personal observation. 
After returning home, she observed, " I have 
2 



26 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

heard much against these people, but now I have 
heard them for myself" — thus showing that she 
had been favorably disposed by hearing the rules. 

There are thousands of people who never see 
nor hear of a Methodist Discipline. For what 
was this rule enacted, but that our people and 
the public should be informed of the excellent 
character of our. doctrine and discipline ? 

Section 13, question 1st, says, " How shall a 
preacher be qualified for a charge? Ans. By 
walking closely with God." What qualifications 
are necessary in order to walk with God ? There 
must be an agreement. Further, in order for 
persons to walk in union with each other, they 
must see each other. This may be done by man 
with man with an impure heart — but in order to 
see and walk closely with Him who is a spirit, 
the heart must be pure. " Blessed are the pure 
in heart, for they shall see God." While the 
heart is impure, the eye of the understanding, in 
proportion to the impurity, is in darkness. Hence 
saith the prophet Isaiah, The way of the Lord is 
the highway of holiness. And he also says, 
The vulture's eye hath not seen it. The vulture 
is an unclean bird. A sinful condition of the 
heart is like unto it. Now, in order to walk 
fully in this path, which is nothing less than all 
the commandments of God, it is necessary that 
the affections be wholly sanctified. This state 
will inevitably form a union with God. And 
when this condition is brought about, then the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 27 

mind will be clear, the eye will be single, the 
motives will be pure, evil desires will be re- 
strained, the understanding quick, the judgment 
correct, and decisions will always be on the side 
of truth and virtue. Now then, this character, 
having laid aside every weight and the sin which 
doth so easily beset, is prepared to run the 
Christian race. "We must admit that there is a 
constant growth in holiness. As the means of 
knowledge increase, the mind expands. " The 
path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth 
more and more unto the perfect day." In order 
to this attainment and enjoyment, it is unques- 
tionably necessary that our faith be fixed upon 
the right object. And in order for this, we should 
have a correct knowledge of God. Hence we 
shall see that knowledge is prior to faith. How 
shall we believe on Him of whom we have not 
heard ? 

I will now turn to the remainder of my Chris- 
tian experience, and to the narration of some 
incidents connected with myself and wife* In 
the commencement of our joint career, we were 
both without money or means, except the know- 
ledge of our occupation. But He that sees as 
man cannot see gave us favor in the eyes of the 
people. "We were blessed in our temporal con- 
cerns, and, consequently, as " the diligent hand 
maketh rich," we accumulated property sufficient 
to admit of a comfortable living, with something 
to lay by ; and we labored not only for the meat 



28 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

that perisheth, but for that which endureth unto 
everlasting life. We made our hous§, though 
but poor, the welcome home of all the mission- 
aries and ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ; 
and after becoming acquainted with the economy 
of Methodism, thought it was well worth an 
honorable support. About three months after 
joining the church, a circuit steward called on 
me, and inquired if I could pay a little quar- 
terage. I asked, " What do you mean by that V 9 
He replied, " Once a quarter we pay something 
to support our ministers." I said, " How much do 
you want ?" Said he, " I suppose about two shil- 
lings will answer for you " I remarked, " That's 
cheap religion ; my former religion used to cost 
me sometimes twenty shillings, and sometimes 
five dollars. I can give you a dollar, if that will 
answer." He said there was no compulsion, and 
that I could do as I pleased. I observed, that 
I liked freedom in such matters, which appears 
to be in accordance with the principles of the 
gospel. Soon after attending quarterly meeting, 
it was said, "To-morrow will be public collection." 
I thought twenty-five cents were little enough 
for collection. 

My wife was always ready to lay by some of 
her earnings for this noble purpose ; and never 
was she wanting in the performance of her part 
of duty, both as to temporal and spiritual con- 
cerns, though, for the greater ' part of her life, 
afflicted with ill health, suffering constantly from 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 29 

the fracture of a limb, at different times near to 
death. She continued to the latest moments of 
her life faithfully to attend to all her domestic 
and religious duties ; and while penning these 
lines, her labor, suffering, repeated counsel, 
and unremitting care, especially to myself, touch 
the most tender feelings of my heart, the remem- 
brance of which will never be erased from my 
mind. Her experience in religion was clear 
and bright as the noon-day sun ; her life was 
uniform, her faith was steadfast, not standing in 
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 
She long looked for the hour of her dissolution — 
and when it came, death had lost its sting, so 
that its approach caused no tormenting fear. 

As it respects my own religious experience, 
my convictions gradually increased for about 
three years. In the course of this time I weighed 
the matter thoroughly, I searched the Bible from 
beginning to end, and looking into the different 
systems under different denominations, I came 
to the conclusion that I must know these things 
for myself. I accordingly began to contend 
more earnestly for the faith, that finally brought 
salvation to my soul. The result was, that I 
found, by happy experience, that God could and 
would do more for me than I had ever antici- 
pated. Hence I realized " joy unspeakable and 
full of glory ;" and, for the benefit of all, I would 
say this blessing of righteousness, by believing 
in my heart, was found in the first attempt to 



30 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

perform the act of family devotion. This was a 
great cross ; and I would advise every person to 
take it up, and that, with constant attention to 
closet duties, will most assuredly keep every 
Christian from backsliding, in accordance with 
the passage of Scripture, " Pray without ceas- 
ing." The same evening that I was brought out 
of the horrible pit, and my feet placed upon a 
rock, I was enabled to shout from the tops of the 
mountains. Had the weight of a millstone been 
taken from my neck, it could not have produced 
a more sensible change. I felt as light as a cork 
upon the water — hardly knew whether I was on 
the floor or between the floors. It was said by 
the neighbors, that my voice was heard at the 
distance of half a mile. Although I have not 
much faith in a noise without religion, yet I 
firmly believe that all true religion, produced by 
the operation of the Holy Ghost, will cause the 
subject to praise God with a loud voice, according 
to the debt forgiven, as, some fifty, some five hun- 
dred ; but I was released from a debt of 10,000 
talents; that is, in silver, $22,500,000; or, in 
gold, $337,500,000. This shows what a vast 
amount of sin may stand against an old and con- 
stant transgressor ; yet glory to God, that, through 
faith in Christ, this vast debt may all be forgiven. 
That it is acceptable to God and profitable to 
man for a redeemed sinner to praise God with 
a loud voice, there need be no doubt. On the 
evening of my conversion', there was a lady and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 31 

her hired girl, who, being out in the evening, 
heard the unusual noise at my house, and came 
to the door and listened until prayer was over. 
The next evening they came again, (for I have 
never laid by the duty of prayer in my family 
from that time to this,) and by witnessing these 
performances they were aroused to a sense of 
the necessity of having religion, and soon after 
they were found at church, praying for mercy, 
and both were converted. These were the first 
public exercises that I ever had, and these per- 
sons were the first-fruits, and how large the 
number has been since that, eternity alone can 
tell. "Work out your own salvation, Various 
were my exercises before this happy change took 
place. Many times I thought how it was pos- 
sible for God to have mercy upon such a sinner. 
Some days I spent in the woods with my Bible, 
reading, praying, and weeping, not having a 
correct knowledge of the plan of salvation by 
faith. I believed in the existence of God, and 
that Christ had died for sinners ; and when I 
yielded obedience to the divine requirement, my 
soul received the witness, the Spirit of adoption, 
by which I was enabled to cry, Abba, Father. 

Now to leave all and follow Christ called me 
to meet with new trials, as my wife was only 
partially a Christian, and that under the influ- 
ence of Presbyterianism. She would have 
been willing to join the Presbyterians, without 
any religion, if she could have prevailed on me 



32 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

not to join the Methodists. I waited for her 
about three months. In this time I attended 
worship in different places. At a certain time 
there was a quarterly meeting, some twelve 
miles from my house. I said to my wife on 
Saturday morning, " I wish to be ready after din- 
ner to go to the meeting." I went into the house 
at the time, and made preparations. In the 
mean time my wife appeared to be much cast 
down, and sat weeping ; and as it was soon after 
we were married, I thought I would not wound 
her feelings, and had concluded I would not go 
to the meeting, when these words came into my 
mind, " He that will not forsake all for my sake, 
house and lands, wife and children, is not worthy 
of me." Without further ceremony I left her, 
and pursued my way, on foot, to the meeting ; 
and a glorious time it was to my soul. Here I 
gained appreciable strength. 

From the moment of my conversion I felt a 
desire for the salvation of all men, and I thought 
that if God would have mercy upon me he would 
not pass by any. I began to publish that Christ 
died for the chief of sinners, notwithstanding this 
was a great cross for me. Often have I, under a 
sense of this duty, felt as though soul and body 
would part asunder ; at the same time I felt that 
"wo be to me" if I neglect this duty. But as 
I was brought up in the western wilderness, as 
the place where I then lived was, and. as my 
parents were poor, and no one to give me an 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 33 

education, I could not rank among the learned 
or accomplished ; but when my soul was filled 
with the Holy Ghost, (and this was not until I 
had received the second blessing — full sanctifi- 
cation,) I said, " Lord, here am I, send me !" 
Then I felt the worth of souls, and many took 
knowledge of me that I had been with Jesus ; 
and feeling the benefit of such unmerited bless- 
ings, and viewing such an infinite fullness in 
the" Saviour for all perishing sinners, I began 
to exhort and reprove, visiting from house to 
house. Some cried one thing and some another, 
saying, that I had hot love which would soon be 
cold. But, thank God, after forty years' ex- 
perience, I find that the love of God never 
changes, and that I only love on in proportion 
to the knowledge I have of his love. " We love 
him because he first loved us." One and the 
principal reason why we do not love God more, 
is, that we do not give ourselves the trouble to 
become more fully acquainted with his character, 
in the perfections of his nature, in the depths of 
his wisdom, the unbounded ocean of his love, 
the purity of his law, the equity of his govern- 
ment, and the habitation of his throne, which is 
justice and judgment for ever. His ways are 
right, his judgments a great deep, and we are to 
study him with reference to his attributes and 
providence, with a careful, candid, and deliberate 
examination. We shall find that we ourselves 
are wonderfully and fearfully made ; and one of 
2* 



34 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

the great wonders is, that man may be filled with 
the fullness of God, hold communion with him, 
and receive intelligence from him, with reference 
fo the great plan, the formation and distribution 
of all things, animate and inanimate, in heaven, 
on earth, and in the mighty deep. In the con- 
templation of all these things we shall find that 
the great object of our most loving and benevo- 
lent Father was the benefit of man ; and that he 
also made the gift of his Son to die for a fallen 
world, that all men through him might be saved. 
Well might the apostle say, " If any man love 
not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, 
Maranatha." 

I labored constantly, during the week, for my 
living and the support of my family. Frequently 
on the sabbath I rode twenty miles, and most 
generally attended two meetings, or met two 
congregations, and returned home, paying a 
dollar for the use of a horse — sometimes having 
serious doubts whether I was called of God to 
this work. One sabbath morning, after riding 
from Kortright to North Blenham, a distance of 
twenty miles, I desired most earnestly that God 
would give me some more definite evidence of 
my call to this great work, for such it appeared to 
me. I was among the Dutch people, and a good 
people they were — the family of the Keniskerns 
will never be forgotten by me. I retired behind 
a barrack of wheat ; I knelt upon my knees, and 
with groans and tears I prayed to God, if he had 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 35 

called me, there to give me some visible token 
that it was his will, so that I need not have any- 
further doubt. It seemed to be suggested to me, 
" What witness would you desire ?" I said, " Let 
some sinner, this day, at least one, be convicted 
and converted, and I will be satisfied." Before 
the meeting was fully opened, a certain person 
in the congregation began to tremble and weep, 
and so continued to the close ; and in the class 
meeting presented herself on her knees for the 
prayers of the people. The prayers of the church 
were requested to be offered up in her behalf. 
I prayed ; and while in this exercise the power 
of God was sensibly felt. For some time I was 
not able to rise from my knees. The sinner 
was converted — angels and men rejoiced — and 
the house appeared to be filled with glory. I 
returned to my home, feeling greatly encou- 
raged. 

I wish to mention one thing in favor of 
Methodist class meetings, which I have always 
considered a means of grace instituted first by 
the prophets : " They that feared the Lord spake 
often to one another." Secondly, by our Lord 
and his apostles: " When they were met together, 
and the doors were shut, Jesus came in their 
midst, and said, Peace be unto you." Before 
my conversion I was permitted, when under deep 
and heavy concern of mind, to take a seat in a 
class meeting, far back, near the door, feeling 
lonely and dejected. When the minister had 



00 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

spoken to the rest of the people, he, like the 
good Samaritan, did all in his power to bind up 
my wounds, and to administer consolation. I 
answered his questions as well as I was able, but 
could not fully explain the deep feelings of my 
heart. He said, " Young man, If thou wilt only 
believe, thou art not far from the kingdom." 
This man's name was Henry Stead. He was a 
messenger of peace from over the mighty waters. 
May grace support him in his declining years ! 
May this institution of class meetings be per- 
petuated for ever, along with Methodism, and 
be observed with strict reference to the design of 
its origination ! 

At this time I had no authority from the church. 
Some months after, the Quarterly Meeting Con- 
ference sent me a license to ^xhort, according to 
the rules of the church — sent, for I never asked 
a license of any kind. I put my license in the 
desk. It had no particular influence upon my 
feelings, only that I felt willing to be subject to 
the order of the church. I then stood as a class 
leader and circuit steward. All these I held, 
feeling myself to be a servant of all. Some 
considerable time after, I was inquired of, if I 
did not think it my duty to take license to 
preach. I replied, that this appeared to be too 
great a work for me, but if the church thought 
proper to grant me a license I should not object. 

1 received my license from the Quarterly Meet- 
ing Conference held under the direction of 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 37 

Elijah Woolsey. My first license to exhort was 
signed by Henry Stead. Some four years or 
more passed, and it was thought by the church 
that it would be proper for me to take upon 
myself deacon's orders. I said, if it were a pri- 
vilege to which I was in any way entitled, I had 
no objection. My oldest brother Joseph (who 
was a local preacher, and a good and useful 
man, a double brother to me, greatly beloved and 
esteemed by all the people) and myself were 
ordained deacons at the same time, in the city 
of Albany, by the laying on of hands by the 
venerable Bishop Asbury. An expression in 
his prayer I have never forgotten, which was, 
" O Lord, grant that these brethren may never 
want to be like other people." I was ordained 
a deacon in the year 1815, on the twentieth day 
of May. 

I will mention a few things here, connected 
with my life as a local preacher. My travels 
were generally about a thousand miles a year. 
In the course of this time I probably attended 
five hundred funerals. In connection with these 
performances I will state a few circumstances : 
I was once called about twenty miles to attend 
a funeral. After the services were closed, a 
gentleman called on me, and inquired if I 
remembered giving him reproof in my shop for 
swearing. I said, " No ; for I reprove so many 
that it is impossible for me to recollect all." In 
those days I was very scrupulous in the observ- 



38 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

ance of that clause in our excellent Discipline 
referring to this subject. "Well," said he, "I 
shall never forget it, and the reproof that you 
there gave me never left me till I found salvation 
to my soul, and now I love God as well as you." 
I said, " Go on, sir." And now, while on this 
topic, I'll relate a similar circumstance. A 
very proud, wicked, and ugly sinner came into 
my shop, swearing at an awful rate, but he looked 
so terrible to me that I dare not attack him. I 
finished his job, and he left without my reproof. 
After he had gone I began to feel very bad, and 
almost concluded that this man's soul would be 
required at my hands. Under the pressure of 
these feelings I could not work. I followed 
after the man, and found him at a tavern not far 
distant. Then I found myself in a greater dif- 
ficulty than ever. As there were many persons 
of different characters present, I hardly knew 
how to offer any reproof, and not make a bad 
matter worse. I remembered that it was said, 
" Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in 
pictures of silver." I then, after deliberating, 
thought I would call him outside. He stepped 
out with me alone. I observed, " Do you re- 
member the language you made use of in my 
shop ?" He said, " I do, sir." I then remarked 
that I was particularly exercised on the subject, 
and had come to offer him a few words of 
friendly admonition. He acknowledged that his 
conduct was not that of a man, or of a gentle- 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 39 

man. He thanked me for my advice, and ap- 
parently with deep humility said, " I will try 
never to be guilty of the like again." How far 
this proceeding was owned and blessed I cannot 
tell. 

In the same place where I then lived a cir- 
cumstance occurred which it might not be amiss 
to mention : — There was a lady sick, nigh unto 
death, the wife of Jered Goodrich, and daughter 
of Jabish Keeler, formerly of Connecticut. She 
was inquired of, as she professed no religion, if 
she wished some one to pray with her. She 
answered in the affirmative, and designated Mr. 
Bangs. The messenger came for me. I don't 
know that I ever remember feeling smaller in 
my own estimation than at that time. When I 
got there, I found two physicians, both professors 
of religion. I conversed with the woman, and 
found her in a very favorable state of mind, as a 
penitent. When prayer was about to be made 
the doctors withdrew. While performing the 
duty of prayer there appeared to be great una- 
nimity. The woman experienced comfort to 
her mind. I returned to my business, and she 
soon died. 

I continued at the same place, laboring at my 
trade on week days, preaching every sabbath, 
attending funerals almost every week, and some- 
times twice a week. One sabbath I rode nine 
miles, and commenced meeting at eleven. In 
the class meeting there were two young ladies 



40 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

who came forward for prayers. There was much 
excitement and earnest struggling by the peni- 
tents, and when they were both brought into 
liberty there was much rejoicing, and many 
thanks given to God. It was now so dark that 
we needed a candle. This was the first time, 
after eleven o'clock, that I had thought of anything 
except the meeting. I took my tea, and rode 
home. These and similar circumstances were 
of so frequent occurrence, that it may not be 
necessary to enter into a detail of them all. I 
formed three societies while a local preacher. 
Two of them are yet in existence — a very im- 
portant one in Davenport Centre, and the other 
in Harpersfield. 

I here wish to remark briefly upon the subject 
of love-feasts. I will relate the following circum- 
stance : At a certain time, in the town of Kort- 
right, there was a quarterly meeting, and a con- 
siderable revival, where many conversions took 
place. Saturday night the prayer meeting held 
late, consequently we were rather late in getting 
to meeting in the morning. Not being so well 
acquainted with the usages as older members, I 
was there early enough to go in, and had several 
young converts to go in with me. I conveyed 
the elements for the love-feast and sacrament. 
I stepped out to take care of some horses, and 
the door was shut. Myself and about thirty more 
were by this means excluded from the love-feast. 
I was outside bare-headed. I desired to be 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 41 

admitted ; and thought at the time, and still think, 
that I was justifiable in my course. The people 
within, knowing the circumstance, their feelings 
were hurt, as were ours without: it well nigh 
spoiled the whole meeting. Satan took the ad- 
vantage of me. I could not partake of the sacra- 
ment that day ; and the proceeding was an injury 
to our cause generally. Now, I ask, where is 
there any rule in our Discipline, that will not 
allow the door at the love-feast to be opened after 
the time of commencement ? If the door at this 
love-feast had been opened, as Christian courtesy 
demanded, might there not have been a great 
deal of good accomplished, without any detri- 
ment to the meeting? It would contribute 
greatly to the advancement and prosperity of 
our church if this defect were remedied ; and it 
might be remedied, no doubt, by enforcing the 
rule of Discipline, according to its true intent. I 
have known several instances in which this rigid 
course has been the means of almost ruining 
societies, and throwing sincere, seeking souls into 
their former state of sin and ignorance. 

One other particular circumstance I will men- 
tion : — In a certain family there was a sudden 
death. A young man, in the bloom of youth, 
while in a distant land, far from his friends and 
family, was suddenly cut down by the relentless 
hand of death. The youngest brother of the 
family, in consequence of hearing this sad news, 
was brought under serious conviction for the 



42 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

salvation of his soul. A quarterly meeting was 
soon to be held in the neighborhood, about six 
miles off. The mother, with this young man, 
made preparations and traveled the six miles, on 
a cold winter's morning, in order to have the 
benefits of the love-feast. They arrived in due 
season. The mother stepped in, supposing that 
her son, who was a little behind attending to his 
horse, would of course be admitted. He went 
to the door alone. The inquiry was made, 
whether he had ever been in a love-feast ? He 
replied, he had. How many times? He didn't 
recollect ; but his having been present at love- 
feast before had been in his childhood, and not 
since. He was refused admission, by the very 
harsh expression, " Stand off, you can't go in." 
This was my youngest son. Now had he been 
kindly treated, and in a Christian manner, as by 
one that seeks for the lost sheep to bring them to 
the fold, and inquired of with reference to the 
state of his mind, and what his object was in 
wishing to go into that love-feast, then the matter 
would have been understood. If the true state 
of his mind had been known, and he admitted, 
(for he was a proper subject,) he would probably 
have been, before that meeting ended, led to the 
great Physician of souls, and been brought into 
favor with God,and have become a useful member 
of his church long before he did — for he is now 
a preacher of the gospel. In consequence of 
this mal-treatment, this young man was thrown 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 43 

into a state of darkness, hardness, and prejudice, 
especially against Methodist preachers, from the 
influence of which he did not recover for years. 
I have no objection to the strict observance of 
rules, but there are cases in which law has no 
control. David and his men once eat the shew 
bre&d, which it was unlawful for any to eat but 
the priests. 

I will now resume the account of my domestic 
affairs. I shortly after this removed a small dis- 
tance from the centre of Kortright, to a dwelling 
near the Presbyterian church, where I carried on 
the business of a blacksmith, as formerly. My 
brother Heman was then living with me. We 
had to travel on foot about three miles to prayer 
meeting, which we invariably attended once a 
week, on Thursday afternoon. On that day we 
always gave our customers to understand that 
we should not be at home for the best of them. 
The first of any change that I noticed in my 
brother's feelings was in his beginning to attend 
prayer meetings. Soon after, there was a camp 
meeting appointed, not far from us — the first 
ever held in that part of the country — which my 
brother Nathan attended. I remember the ser- 
mon that he preached, and the text : " And who 
is that wise and faithful servant, whom his Lord 
will appoint ruler over his household, to give to 
each his meat in due season ?" And it was 
generally thought each character present had his 
portion from that sermon. 



44 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

At this camp meeting my brother Heman 
was converted from a sinner to the Lord. 
When about to attend, the inquiry was made in 
the family, " Who is going ?" Heman said, " I 
wish to go." I observed, if he wished to go, 
and it would do him any good, I would stay at 
home myself. He went, and the change that 
was effected was a glorious one. He was alto- 
gether a new man. He was the first apprentice 
that I had in my employment, and the first, of 
course, converted. I never felt disposed to con- 
trol any of my family as to what church they 
should join, neither were any of them concerned 
in their minds touching the subject of water bap- 
tism, they all having been baptized in infancy. 
I think no person would have any difficulty on 
this subject were he properly instructed from 
childhood. My wife, at the same time, had a 
sister in the family, who was converted to God 
not long after, and became a faithful and worthy 
member of the church. She afterward became 
the wife of one of my apprentices, who is now a 
local preacher, residing in the state of Illinois. 
Not long after this I removed again westerly, 
in another part of the same town, where I pur- 
chased a small piece of land, and still carried 
on my business, and where I resided between 
thirty and forty years. 

While living in this place I had six appren- 
tices ; five of them experienced religion, four of 
them while they were with me, and all of my 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 45 

children that had arrived at years of discretion ; 
two of them afterward became traveling preachers, 
and one a local preacher. John D. Bangs, one 
of my sons, soon after receiving license to preach, 
entered the itinerant connection in the New- 
York Annual Conference. In the third year of 
his ministry he lost his wife, and in one short 
week after he followed her to the grave. They 
both died of the scarlet fever. He was stationed 
at the time in Connecticut, whence, after her 
death, he brought her down to Westchester 
county, New- York. At her grave he was seized 
with a fainting fit, and was borne thence to the 
house of her father ; he seemed to have a pre- 
sentiment of his approaching death, and remarked, 
" When you carry me again, you will carry me 
to my grave ;" and such was the fact. His wife 
was a very amiable, pious, and holy woman. 
Her life had been marked by a spirit of devotion 
and prayer. She was the daughter of respect- 
able parents, by the name of Underhill, residing 
in Westchester county, New- York. Mr. Under- 
hill has always been known as a very benevolent 
man, and his house has ever been hospitably 
open for the reception of Methodist preachers. 
It occupies a delightful site, having, on the east, 
a view of Long Island Sound, and, on the west, 
a view of the Palisades of the Hudson. Off a 
short distance from this house is situated a burial 
ground attached to the Episcopal Church, where 
lie the remains of my dear children. 



46 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

My son was, from a child, sober, serious, up- 
right, obedient, and faithful, I never having any 
occasion to correct him, except once. "When he 
was called to an account by his mother, she said, 
" Have you done so and so ?" " I have." " Was 
that right ?" He answered, " No, it was wrong ; 
I am sorry, and will try and not do so again." 
The mother pardoned him without correction. 
By this confession he atoned for his fault, and 
not only escaped correction for it, but the ad- 
ditional correction which, with the fault, the 
denial of the fact would have demanded. 

He experienced religion when about fourteen 
years old, at a camp meeting held at the head of 
the Delaware. One evening, about midnight, I sat 
down in my brother Joseph's tent to take a cup 
of tea. Brother Cyrus Silliman came to the tent, 
and told me that there was a boy out there who 
wanted to see me. I inquired who it was. He 
said he believed it was my son John. I asked 
what he wanted. He wants to see you, for he 
thinks the Lord has blessed his soul. Without 
further delay I went to the boy. There were 
clear tokens of conversion. My son told me that 
he had stood by the railing of the prayer circle 
till he thought he should die, no one noticing 
him. He, however, had ventured into the circle 
of his own accord, determining, if he perished, 
he would perish there. As he remained un- 
noticed, there was no prayer particularly offered 
for him. He prayed for himself, and the Lord 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 47 

was pleased to remove all his burden, and his 
soul was made unspeakably happy thereby. 

Soon after he was twenty-one years of age, he 
opened his mind to me, by letter, on the subject 
of his preaching. He stated that he had had 
impressions about preaching as far back as his 
memory extended, and now was fully convinced 
that it was his duty to preach, and desired that 
if I could throw any light upon the course which 
he was to pursue, to give him instructions by 
writing. I gave directions according to the 
usages of the church — that he must first apply 
for license to exhort, and if he was called of God 
to preach, the church would soon give him ap- 
probation. My advice was followed,, and he 
was soon licensed as a local preacher. Not long 
after he was recommended to the Annual Con- 
ference by the Quarterly Conference, "William 
Jewett presiding elder. He was received by the 
conference, and first appointed to Westport cir- 
cuit. At the quarterly meeting held in Hamden, 
before he started for this appointment, feeling 
the great responsibility that rested upon him in 
view of such a great work — knowing, probably, 
at this time in his experience nothing beyond 
the blessing of justification, that God who knew 
his exercises, and who had called him to the work, 
saw fit in answer to his prayers to grant him 
the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire. After 
which he was not only able to say, " My sins are 
pardoned," but, " My soul is sanctified, and now I 



48 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

feel better prepared to call sinners to repentance." 
He then began to study, systematically, the sub- 
ject of divinity: sinners were awakened and 
converted. 

At his second appointment, at Yonkers, there 
was a very gracious revival under his preaching. 
After his death I visited that place, and the peo- 
ple seemed to be as much affected as though he 
had been their own child. His presiding elder 
said of him, that he had never been acquainted 
with a young man that made such rapid ad- 
vancement in knowledge and usefulness, as did 
my son. 

At conference, before he went to his third 
appointment, as I was obliged to leave before 
the conference rose, he was to accompany 
me to the boat with my baggage, and as we 
were about to start from my boarding place, I 
said, " Let us pray ; for this may be the last time 
that we shall ever see each other." So it was, 
for I never saw him again after parting at the 
boat. 

He moved to his circuit. It was stated that 
he was in the habit of making from seven to ten 
pastoral visits a day. But his labors and his 
usefulness were soon closed by death. One cir- 
cumstance is worthy of notice : The last sermon 
that he preached was attended with divine influ- 
ence. One man, the head of a family, of re- 
spectable standing, was awakened, soon after 
converted, and received into the church. So he 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 49 

had seals to his ministry in the beginning and 
the end. 

I will here insert an extract from his writings. 
The following is from a letter he wrote home 
from Westport, Nov. 9, 1835 : — 

" My Dear Parents, — So much time has 
gone by since I left home, that I almost feel con- 
demned for not writing sooner. But I really 
think that you would excuse me if you knew 
how busily employed I have been since my re- 
turn. My dear mother has not been forgotten ; 
not many of my waking hours have passed 
without having her present in my mind. The 
leaving her so unwell has caused me many 
painful reflections. I have almost felt to murmur 
that my lot is cast so far from my friends. I 
must confess that, when leaving home, I felt a 
kind of revolting or drawing back. I was led to 
inquire, 'Why is it ?' when a view of the goodness 
of God to me caused me submissively to say, as 
I took the last parting look, 'Adieu, ye happy 
scenes of innocent childhood ! — adieu, ye scenes 
of riper years ! — and adieu, ye friends and guard- 
ians of those by-gone days ! Kind Heaven help 
me to seek a more enduring home, where as 
strangers in strange lands we can never be.' 
But here I am three weeks from the day I left 
my father's house ; nor am I without friends even 
here — not by any means. Suffer not yourselves 
to think that your son will want any good thing. 
The time is now near by when I must deter- 
3 



50 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

mine whether to offer myself to travel the next 
year or not. When I consider the subject closely, 
I find many objections in my own mind against 
traveling at present. Inquiries like the following 
have arisen: — Whether I could not be more 
useful in a less-extended sphere than in the 
character of a traveling preacher ? for I fear that 
my feeble efforts will but cause the way of truth 
to be evil spoken of. There is so much that is 
necessary for me to know, and my means of get- 
ting information at present are hardly sufficient 
for me to retain what I already have. And, more 
than all, I see such an unfitness in myself for 
so important, so holy, and so responsible a work, 
I hardly dare to look toward it : but here, I be- 
lieve, that if I trust wholly in the Lord, his grace 
shall be sufficient. I have no doubts as it re- 
spects my duty to labor in the vineyard of the 
Lord ; but the question with me is, whether to 
travel, or whether to give myself more especially 
to study, and acquire the knowledge which it is 
so very necessary for a traveling preacher to pos- 
sess. At present I am undecided. 

" Your affectionate son, 

" John D. Bangs." 

My son was always amiable in his dispo- 
sition and manners ; dutiful and pious from the 
time that he had any knowledge of these things. 
He was taught strictly to attend and observe the 
religious exercises in the family from the /time 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 51 

that he was sixteen months old, and invariably 
with all the rest of my children, from this age 
took his seat to hear the word of God read ; he 
was also taught to kneel humbly upon his knees 
in the time of prayer, without making any 
noise, or exhibiting any disorderly conduct what- 
ever. 

One circumstance will tend to show the in- 
fluence and effect of family devotion on young 
children, which will also prove the power of in- 
tellect they possess. One evening, after John 
D. had been some time abed, he, at the time 
not being yet four years old, of his own accord 
arose, dressed himself, and came out of his room, 
weeping. His mother asked him the matter. 
"Why," said he, "I went to bed before prayers." 

If I were to undertake to record concerning 
this child according to my knowledge and my 
feelings, I should write a volume. I have often 
felt, since his death, as though I should, in a few 
moments, shakp hands with him. But I will not 
attempt to trace him throughout all the ramified 
details of his life. 

Here is another incident, however. Some 
months before he started on his circuit, he was 
missing on several days. We had to search for 
him, and we found that he had prepared for him- 
self a retreat in a tree ; he had there fixed a seat, 
and lapped the boughs over to make a shade. 
We found him in this tree, with a small supply 
of books before him. It hence appeared that he 



52 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

retired to this tree for study, meditation, and 
prayer. 

"JohnD. Bangs was characterized by deep 
humility, genuine piety, and amiability of man- 
ners, as well as thirst for the salvation of souls, 
which greatly endeared him to his friends and ac- 
quaintances, and made the pang of separation 
the more severe in some respects, and the more 
joyful in others, to his bereaved parents and circle 
of relatives."^ 

Since I have commenced giving a short ac- 
count of my children, I will now note a few 
items concerning my oldest son, Keeler, who is 
now a man of family residing at Honesdale, 
Wayne county, Pennsylvania. He and his wife 
professed to have experienced religion at a camp 
meeting held on the ground of Thomas Rickie, 
near the head of the Delaware. I was one day 
on the stand, and spoke to brother Calder, be- 
tween whom and myself there subsisted the 
closest union, nearly equal to that between David 
and Jonathan, and said, " Do you see that couple 
standing together yonder ; they are my children, 
my son and his wife ; will you go to them, and 
inquire whether they do not feel the need of 
religion ?" He did so. They answered in the 
" affirmative. They were invited to the mourners* 
meeting. They yielded, fell upon their knees> 
prayed, and were prayed for. Then and there 

* History of Methodism. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 53 

they were, no doubt, made partakers of justifying 
grace. But they were shortly " hindered." There 
may, perhaps, have been three things which 
were the cause of this hinderance : 1st. The want 
of a deeper work of grace in the heart ; 2d. The 
lack of attention to that admonition in the 
word of God, " Watch and pray, that ye enter 
not into temptation;" 3d. The want of sober, 
faithful, and wise shepherds, whose business 
it always is to feed the lambs as well as the 
sheep. 

While they lived with me, at my farm, I saw 
the minister myself engaged in frivolous sport, 
such as throwing water in the face of his wife, 
and acting generally with more levity than is 
consistent with the gravity of a minister. From 
this place they removed to Bethany, Pennsylva- 
nia, where they came under the care of a minister 
by the name of Baker, who was more of a curse 
to them than a blessing. In consequence of the 
feebleness of their faith, they became involved 
in controversy ; and hard speeches and hard feel- 
ings ensuing, they finally withdrew or were ex- 
pelled. There is no doubt, from the subsequent 
conduct of this minister, as well as at that time,that 
he was a wicked man, and that he acted more 
the part of a wolf than of a shepherd. I believe 
that my son and daughter-in-law have generally 
since that time maintained a good moral charac- 
ter ; but, in consequence of their loss of tender 
feelings and grace, and coming in contact with 



54 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

infidel principles, they have tried to comfort them- 
selves with the idea that God would not damn 
anybody ; but such a support as this being fu- 
tile, they often feel disturbed and uneasy in their 
present condition, and I hope and pray that 
they may always be uneasy until they are on 
safe ground, with a good hope. They have 
six interesting children. O that they may be 
trained up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord ! 

The young man, incidentally mentioned be- 
fore as having died away from his friends in a 
distant country, was a son of mine. He was my 
third son, by the name of Lemuel. He was con- 
verted at a camp meeting held near Delhi village. 
Some time after this he received license to ex- 
hort, which he did apparently very effectively. 
It was thought that he went far beyond the 
preacher in charge, which raised a prejudice 
against him, and hence was engendered cool 
treatment of him on the part of some preachers, 
who had more monotony than holy zeal. He 
partaking more of the unassuming and retiring 
disposition of his mother, which is not com- 
monly found in the Bangs' family, nor is it in 
anywise a Bangs' trait when they get agoing, 
of course it did not require a great deal of oppo- 
sition, especially from his elder brethren, to dis- 
courage him. He lost his enjoyment of religion, 
became trifling and vain, and fond of gay 
company. At a meeting in the town of Sharon, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 55 

Schoharie county, where he was teaching school, 
he was reclaimed. He there made professions, 
such as were deemed satisfactory that the work 
was genuine in his heart. 

He not long after went traveling to the state 
of Michigan, entered into business, and lost his 
enjoyment of religion again. He was there 
taken sick with a bad cold and fever, and died 
at his uncle Joseph's house, to whose family I 
hope always to feel grateful. It was stated to 
me that he was an humble penitent before the 
Lord when he died, and that Christians, who 
were with him -at the time, had hope of his 
salvation. If I am so happy as ever to join the 
innumerable company of heaven, I hope there 
to find him. 

I will here give some relation of another son, 
by the name of Joseph Sandford, who died when 
he was about twenty-three years of age. When 
he was taken sick he was engaged in the study 
of the medical profession. He took a very 
severe cold, and, being among strangers, did not 
receive that tender treatment which a mother 
would have given him. Though he had a severe 
cold, there was no doubt in my mind that his 
death was occasioned by taking too much medi- 
cine, injudiciously administered. But thanks be 
to God, who willeth not the death of a sinner, I 
have strong reasons to think, that in the last days 
of his life he was led to believe that he was 
a sinner, and was enabled to venture on the 



56 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

atonement of Christ to the salvation of his soul. 
I should be glad if I had grounds sufficient to 
warrant my entertaining more charity than I do 
for regularly educated physicians. I firmly be- 
lieve, that too many of them are displeasing in 
the sight of God, and that he has been pleased 
to raise up men, in the midst of suffering 
humanity, who are by his wisdom directed to a 
more simple and safe course than the former to 
restore health. In three instances, in my own 
family, when the stubborn disorders with which 
these persons were afflicted would not give way 
to the prescriptions of the regular physician, they 
were entirely removed by the simple remedies 
of the root doctor. Such of these men as are 
known, and have a standing in community, 
ought to be employed in preference to any other. 
I would advise my friends, and all others, as soon 
as disease appears to make application to them, 
notwithstanding they are so frequently called 
" quacks." One reason why their credit does not 
stand higher is, that they are seldom called in 
until the patient is nearly dead, and then, for- 
sooth, if they don't raise men from their graves, 
as it were, their destruction is laid to the poor 
root doctors, whereas if they had been called in 
in time they would undoubtedly have acted 
efficiently. I will state two or three reasons 
why I would employ them in preference to 
others : — 1. Because I think they were raised 
up by almighty God, as much as Moses was 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 57 

raised up to deliver the children of Israel from 
the bondage of Egyptian tyrannical domination. 
2. That they gather their remedies from the 
vegetable kingdom. 3. That they do not, in 
their arrangements, speculate on the prolongation 
of diseases : seldom do they visit a patient more 
than once when the cure is effected, I will here 
show a contrast between the two characters : — A 
regular physician, who attended my family but 
once, coming a mile and a half, charged two dol- 
lars. Dr. Strickland came twenty miles, to the 
same patient, and effected a cure, charging but 
two dollars and fifty cents, and left a large quan- 
tity of medicine. In further confirmation of this 
fact I will state, that the same doctor visited my 
family five times, from a distance of eight miles, 
leaving a budget of medicine, and charged only 
five dollars. I must observe that this was an 
extraordinary and malignant case, and comes 
under the rule of exceptions, as I stated before 
that they seldom visited a patient more than once. 
I knew of a case, only visited once, where the 
cure seemed to be quite miraculous. Let me 
here give a word of advice — Call them in as 
soon as a doctor is required. I have a case in 
hand before me while writing: — My present 
wife was seized, in an extraordinary manner, 
with cold chills and general prostration. A 
young physician was called in my absence, who 
continued the application of his medicine for 
three days. She grew worse. On the morning of 
3* 



58 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

the sixth day after she was taken ill, at two o'clock 
in the morning, with the consent of the attend- 
ing physician, I took my team, and drove twenty- 
three miles for Dr. Strickland, who resides at 
Meredith square, Delaware county. I perform- 
ed the journey of forty-six miles in six hours. 
When the doctor arrived her pain was severe, 
attended with coughing and bloody expectoration, 
and her tongue was coated, and as black as ink. 
In ten minutes after the doctor commenced ad- 
ministering his medicine there was a visible 
change for the better in the breathing and sensa- 
tion. The doctor stayed about three hours, and 
his patient was in a great measure relieved. It 
is now eight days since this doctor left. Instead 
of despairing of life, which we did several times 
before, we have the unspeakable pleasure of see- 
ing the patient present the unfailing symptoms 
of convalescence: for all this the charge was 
only three dollars. I have no particular com- 
plaint to make against the other physician who 
attended her, but do most sincerely attribute her 
improved health, and the prospect of her speedy 
recovery to Dr. Strickland, under God. To Him 
I would ascribe the praise. 

I have but one daughter alive, (three of my 
children died in infancy, two of them were 
daughters :) she experienced religion when about 
fourteen years of age, in her father's house. She 
is now the mother of six children, and has always 
maintained her standing in the church, and held 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 59 

on to her integrity ; she possesses more than or- 
dinary talent, but it has not been brought fully 
into action, from various causes. The time may 
speedily come when the gold will appear in its 
native lustre. Her eldest daughter, at the age 
of fourteen, presents an instance of womanly 
adolescence quite remarkable in one so young : 
she lately experienced religion, during a revival, 
under the labors of the Rev. Charles Gorse. 
May she be an ornament to the church, and the 
sphere in which she may be called to move! 
My daughter now resides in Middleburgh, Scho- 
harie county. She was married to Isaac D. Car- 
hart, Esq., of respectable family, and a very 
worthy man : he has been a Christian from his 
youth. 

I have a son, living, who is an itinerant min- 
ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
is my youngest child, being now in his twenty- 
fourth year. Of him I can say but little at 
present, except that he bears the appearance and 
inherits the characteristics of the Bangs' family; 
and if he does not backslide, which all men are 
liable to do, and in consequence lose his soul and 
forfeit his eternal salvation, there is a prospect 
of his becoming a useful man. As he is the 
son of poor parents, who have not been able 
to advance him in that secondary and minor 
qualification of a preacher, education, it is hoped 
that the lack of it will be made up by the plenti- 
ful effusion of the Holy Ghost. Peter and John 



60 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

were illiterate men, but the people took know- 
ledge of them that they had been with Jesus. 
I do not wish to convey a wrong impression : 
I merely mean to say that he does not possess 
that polish of education which is common 
to the age. From what I have said, I do not 
wish to discourage my dear son, as God will 
assuredly open the way for him to accomplish 
the work which he designs, according to his 
good pleasure. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 61 



CHAPTER II. 

Good health and manhood — Advantage of having religion — 
Industrious — A pretended Christian — Going west — Enter the 
traveling connection — Estimate of my property — Experience — 
Conditions of membership — Holiness — Gold and costly apparel 
— Purity of the church — Reflections — Literature and spirituality 
— A minister must have the Holy Ghost — Means by which my 
faith was strengthened before sanctification — Baptism of the 
Holy Ghost — Defective education — Appearance of evil — Incident 
of the card players — Spirituous liquor — Tobacco — Snuff — Smok- 
ing — Tea — An awful circumstance — A valuable recipe — Ap- 
pearance of evil — Reflections on gold and extravagance. 

"When I commenced business in the world I 
had no pecuniary resources to draw upon in case 
of need, but I was blessed with good health and 
manhood. I had to purchase a set of tools upon 
the credit of another. I have already explained 
how I became a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. I had one advantage, in con- 
nection with many others, on account of my pro- 
fessing religion. It is expected of all who name 
the name of Christ, that they will depart from 
all iniquity ; and as I learned from an aphorism 
of Dr. Franklin, that " the sound of the hammer, 
at nine o'clock at night and five in the morning, 
makes the creditor easy three months longer ;" 
and as the people generally found me in my 
shop, or at the church, I soon gained favor with 
my customers. One old gentleman, in particu- 
lar, a Scotchman and a Methodist, who some- 
times had a little more charity than knowledge, 



62 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

(as the incident below will prove,) once, when 
I required to go to Catskill to purchase stock for 
my business, having neither money nor credit, 
and being a stranger, this old gentleman, whose 
name was David M'Min, gave me an order on 
a merchant at Catskill, in substance as follows : 
" Please let John Bangs have what he wants out 
of your store, and charge the same to me." 
Whether he trusted to my fidelity or Christianity 
I cannot tell ; but I took up a hundred dollars' 
worth of goods on his responsibility. I was 
enabled, in the use of this property, to pay the 
debt, and a debt for the old gentleman, without 
giving him any trouble. 

A certain man once called on the old gentle- 
man and represented himself as a Methodist, but 
presented no certificate of standing, and mani- 
fested great zeal, being rather over much righte- 
ous. The old gentleman introduced him to me 
at my house. The man offered to work for 
nothing. I did not like his manner, and would 
not employ him. I said to Mr. M'Min, " You 
had better be cautious how you deal with that 
man." " O, brother John," said he, " you have 
no charity!" He stayed awhile with the old 
gentleman, and perhaps earned his board. He 
ingratiated himself so far into the favor of his 
new acquaintance, that he (brother M'Min) 
furnished him a suit of clothes, to the value 
of fifteen dollars. Soon after, in the night, 
this pretended Christian stole a bridle from 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS- 63 

Mr. M'Min, and made his escape, leaving 
the old gentleman to pay the fifteen dollars. 
This proves that the old gentleman had 
charity without a foundation ; because charity 
rejoices not in iniquity, but in truth, and hence 
"she is not a fool." Yet I am sure the old 
gentleman was a very sincere and good friend 
to me. 

I frequently entertained the notion of going to 
the west, and did at one time go about a hun- 
dred miles, and purchase land ; but events were 
so ordered that I never could manage to get out 
in that point of the compass to live. I again 
took a tour to Michigan, and purchased land, 
and thought I would settle my family in that 
country, but Providence ordered otherwise. I 
continued to remain stationary at Kortright, ex- 
cept for about two years of the time, when I was 
connected with the traveling connection. It was 
estimated that my property was worth about 
sixteen hundred dollars when I commenced 
traveling. This small amount, which was ac- 
cumulated by the hard labor of myself and wife, 
if it could have been preserved until now, would 
have been a competency to myself and friends. 
But as a great portion of my life, both before I 
entered the traveling connection and since, has 
been spent away from home ; and as my children 
were principally boys, of course making a heavy 
expense, and under the care of a feeble mother, 
men of knowledge and business must readily 



64 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

see that it must have caused a diminishment of 
both principal and premium to support them. 
Probably the expense of this large family was 
not less than five hundred dollars a year. It is ge- 
nerally known what salary a Methodist preacher 
receives according to Discipline. If my memory 
is correct, I was never allowed more than seventy 
dollars a year for table expenses. During several 
years the expenses of my family were about two 
hundred dollars a year more than my income. 

As the following experience occurred during 
my local ministry, it may properly be inserted 
here. 

In my first examination of the subject of Chris- 
tianity, as I was sincere in my inquiries, and 
wished to make a good beginning, and pursue 
a course that would eventuate in my future hap- 
piness, I gave the sentiments of the various 
denominations a thorough investigation and ex- 
amination. In doing this, I read different authors 
on these subjects, attended the preaching of the 
word by different sects ; and also with serious 
and humble prayer searched the Scriptures in 
course from the beginning to the end. The more 
I searched and examined, I was led to decide in 
favor of the general doctrines held by the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church. My aim, from that time 
to this, has been to be better instructed, and to 
have my life more fully in accordance with the 
same. I find no particular objections to the 
government, doctrines, and economy of the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 65 

church of my choice, except in one particular, 
and that, indeed, I do not consider an insuperable 
one. The clause that I allude to is, as to the 
time specified as a condition for membership. I 
approve of the idea of a length of time for trial. 
Instead of a definite time, however, it does appear 
to me that a real and radical change, both as it re- 
spects justification and sanctification, as held by 
our church, should be required, inasmuch as all 
this experience is no more than God, in his word, 
requires in this life ; and surely it requires all 
this, in order to have an abundant entrance into 
the everlasting kingdom. I ask, then, is it safe 
to set men and women down short of this, when 
there are such eternal realities connected with it ? 
for " how shall we escape, if we neglect so great 
salvation !" 

In the further relation of my experience, I will 
show my reasons more fully, why this experience 
should be thus required. The reasons shall be 
more particularly in connection with my expe- 
rience. Justification is one degree of glory in 
this great subject of Christianity. It is said by 
the apostle that we shall be changed into the 
same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit 
of the Lord. 

Now this second blessing, which I consider 
to be meant by the apostle, by the second ex- 
pression, " glory," is what we ought to teach as 
Methodists, being sanctified throughout, body, 
soul, and spirit. Being blessed under the minis- 



66 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

trations of holy and faithful men, and also by- 
reading Mr. Wesley's doctrine on this subject, 
in connection with the Scriptures, and by the 
assistance of that true light that lighteth every 
man that cometh into the world, I was enabled 
to see and feel that there was yet a degree of 
moral pollution, or the remains of the carnal 
mind existing, which is enmity against God — not 
subject, neither, indeed, can be. The reasons 
why I think these things are correct and essen- 
tially necessary for the performance of the duties 
which God requires with a perfect heart and 
willing mind, are, that before I came to this state 
I found my duties to be a burden, and the cross 
heavy, and I was many times ready to say, " Not 
so, Lord, send by whom thou wilt, but not by me." 
But when it pleased God to speak these powerful 
words, " I will, be thou clean ; I will thoroughly 
wash thee ;" and that prayer was answered when 
I said, " Give me a clean heart, and renew a right 
spirit ;" then my eyes were more fully opened to 
see ; then I knew more fully in whom I had be- 
lieved, and what he in reality had done for me. 
Now the yoke was easy, my duty was a delight ; 
with confidence I could say, Abba, Father. I 
loved God and every human soul. I cried aloud, 
" Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
waters." I learned that the fountain of salvation 
was like the waters of the Nile which overflow 
its banks, free for all the fallen sons and daugh- 
ters of Adam. I will now simply state one rea- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 67 

son why I did not obtain this blessing sooner. 
It was for the want of that correct knowledge 
that ought always to be taught to the young be- 
liever, which is prior to faith, which is the only 
efficient means of obtaining this blessing, for it 
can no more be obtained by works than the 
blessing of justification. The moment that I 
got a correct view of the willingness of Christ to 
impart the fullness of this blessing, my soul was 
made a complete partaker. We consider that 
this is not inherent in us, nor are we the re- 
cipients of it by reason of any personal merit, or 
virtue of our own. The apostle prayed that we 
might all be filled with the fullness of God. We 
consider that what makes a man perfect or holy, 
is according to the proportion of that fullness 
which he receives by faith. God is love, and it 
is said that we are in God, and God is in us. 
Whoever is, therefore, a temple for the Holy 
Ghost to dwell in, must, and cannot be other- 
wise than perfect. Whoever is a Christian, he 
is so because God made him so. Of course he 
must be a perfect Christian. Hence he is so, so 
far as he has been transformed by the renewing 
of the Holy Ghost. And if the Holy Ghost can 
renew us in any degree, he surely can renew us 
wholly. It is the privilege, then, of every be- 
liever to come up to this high state. The apos- 
tle carries us up to this high state, where he saith, 
" Once enlightened, tasted of the heavenly gift, 
made partakers of the Holy Ghost, tasted the 



68 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

good word of God, and the powers of the world 
to come." 

First, in order to obtain this blessing, it is ne- 
cessary to feel the importance of that command 
which says, M Love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart, soul, mind, and strength." This is an 
imperative duty, or it never would have been 
enjoined. Hence we argue the necessity of full 
sanctification ; for, as an evil tree cannot bring 
forth good fruit, neither can it be possible that 
a heart unrenewed can love God. Now, as man 
cannot change and renew his own heart, we re- 
joice that Jesus has said, " Come to me, and he 
that inclines his ear and cometh to me, and hears, 
his soul shall live." - Now then, with this life of 
Christ in the soul filling every part, we are ena- 
bled to fulfill that high command above spoken 
of. And the want of this experience is the great 
and sole reason why there are so mkny failures 
in duty, and so many backslidings and departures 
from the living God. This character is like a 
great tree planted by the rivers of water, with his 
raith firmly rooted and grounded in love. Now 
this faith works by love ; and love is obedience. 
Jesus Christ is the author of eternal salvation to 
none, except those who obey him. 

Inasmuch as man is a free moral agent after 
conversion as well as before it, it is possible for 
the best Christian to disobey, make shipwreck 
of faith and a good conscience, and fall away so 
as never to be renewed again. Heb. vi, 6. Now 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 69 

we do not believe that this falling away is in- 
stantaneous ; a great tree may be blown to the 
ground by slow degrees. Observe, it is no- 
where said in the Scriptures, if a man fall away 
that he shall rise again ; but it is said, that man 
may fall and rise again. Now we shall see that 
notwithstanding it may be said and thought that 
man cannot fall from grace, that He who know- 
eth all things hath said, that Judas by transgres- 
sion fell. It is also said that angels fell ; and it 
is too evident for contradiction that Adam fell. 
The apostle said, " If ye seek to be justified by 
the deeds of the law ye are fallen from grace." 
If it were true that God foreordained whatsoever 
comes to pass, and hath for his own glory elected 
a part of men and angels to eternal life, and passed 
by the rest to perish in their sins, it would be a 
fair conclusion that these chosen ones could 
never fall away so as to be lost ; hence they that 
hold to the former must of course hold to the 
latter. But we know of no such doctrine in 
connection with the Bible, nor is it consistent 
with sound logic — neither does it correspond 
with the character that God gives of himself; 
for he saith, " As I live I have no pleasure in the 
death of the wicked." " Turn ye, turn ye, for 
why will ye die, saith the Lord." It is also said 
that he hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to 
obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. If a 
thing may be obtained, it may also be neglected. 
I will turn aside from this digression and 



70 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

return to the subject of holiness. We conclude 
that a man may be justified and also sanctified 
while his knowledge in many things is very 
imperfect; but, when these blessings are obtained, 
knowledge is increased, and, in the possession of 
this clearer light, the evils which remain will ap- 
pear to us nearly in the same manner that God 
sees them. It is therefore said that to him who 
knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is 
sin. Under the influence of this light and know- 
ledge, in order to retain these great blessings, to 
grow in grace, and go on to perfection, which 
we conceive to be no more than a higher degree 
of knowledge and love, every cross must be 
borne, every self-denial must be observed, and 
the accursed thing must be put away. This 
we find in the law of God with Israel. The 
golden wedge and Babylonish garment must be 
found, must be taken, burned, and ground to 
powder, and strewed upon the water, other- 
wise Israel could not move nor prevail. Now 
let us turn for a moment to the New Testament: 
the apostle affirms that we must wear neither 
gold nor costly apparel. There may be high 
professions, a great deal of outward form and 
ceremony, and nothing better with them than what 
the apostle calls death, or that which killeth. 
Now did not the Israelites ask of God that which 
was not right and proper? and God gave it to 
them; and did he not at the same time give 
them leanness in their souls ? It is said that God 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 71 

is unchangeable. He must be so in his nature. 
His law is like himself. If God cursed the 
Israelites for pride and covetousness, which is 
idolatry, will he not do so at the present day ? 

Collaterally connected with this subject is the 
abnegation of gold and costly apparel. Will it 
be too much to say, that there is gold and costly 
apparel, and needless equipage, worn and used 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, if it were 
all put in one fund, the interest arising from it 
would make all the poor of the church comfort- 
able, and place them in such a situation, that not 
one of them (as a pauper) would ever be found 
in the county poor houses ? " The poor ye 
have always with you, and when ye will ye may 
do them good." I ask, what means sliall be 
used, and what course shall be pursued, to pre- 
vent this growing evil, which has threatened, and 
still does threaten, to call down the judgments of 
Almighty God ? Let those who name the name 
of Christ depart from all iniquity. Whoever is 
acquainted with the Bible and ecclesiastical his- 
tory will find that the rise and fall of the church 
have been through the agency and influence of 
the ministry, and their example has always been 
more powerful than their precepts. St. Paul 
saith, " Dost thou preach that a man should not 
steal, and dost thou steal?" In cautioning 
Timothy, he said, " Take heed to thyself," 
(which referred to his moral conduct,) " and to 
thy doctrine, for in so doing thou shalt both save 



72 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

thyself and them that hear thee :" by a contrary 
course he would lose his own soul, and be the 
means of the loss of his hearers. 

In order that the church may be pure, and be 
kept with its garments unspotted, it is necessary, 
first, that the minister should preach the doctrines 
of the gospel in their native purity, and that he, 
his wife, and children, be patterns to the flock ; 
and that discipline be administered in a timely 
and proper manner, that there be no partiality, 
and he must see that none render evil for evil, 
on any occasion : on the contrary, they must do 
good to all, even to enemies, for in so doing they 
shall heap coals of fire upon their heads ; and he 
should exhort the people daily to the observance 
of all, these rules and regulations. This will 
never be done, with any effect, so long as a 
minister allows himself any indulgence which 
God forbids ; for it is the highest folly to set sin 
to reprove sin. We shall therefore easily see 
that, in order to accomplish this holy and im- 
portant work, the minister himself must expe- 
rience a thorough change of hearf, and be wholly 
sanctified. This being premised, he may give 
some of his attention to letters ; " the letter kill- 
eth, but the spirit that sanctifieth giveth life." 
Pray tell me what can a dead minister do with 
a dead people ? Will they not both be proud, 
serve the devil together, and both fall into the 
ditch? Awful state! I will explain myself 
more fully: If holiness be implanted in the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 73 

heart, the attention will be directed right ; then 
the mind may be engaged in the attainment of 
knowledge in the highest degree, and the ex- 
perience of holiness in the heart will regulate all 
these matters, and cause them to contribute to the 
honor and dignity of the minister, to the use and 
benefit of the church, and to all classes of men. 

If we can have both literature and spirituality 
combined in one character, we shall have a man 
that will appear approved indeed of God, and a 
workman that needeth not to be ashamed. If one 
of these must be wanting, let it be letters, for 
without the Holy Ghost he will only please those 
who have itching ears ; and such people would 
"heap to themselves" teachers of this character, 
who would only daub them with untempered 
mortar, and cry, Peace, peace, when God had 
never spoken peace. The performances of such 
a character are like carrying a dead carcass, 
which when laid down is useless to itself and 
everybody else. 

I will here make a few observations with 
reference to the soul of man, and its vast capa- 
cities, as in some sense connected with this sub- 
ject. It is said that God breathed into man the 
breath of life, and he became a living soul. 
Whatever originated from God must be like 
himself, in goodness. There are natural per- 
fections in Deity as well as moral. When it 
was said that God made man in his own image, 
it was meant, we conclude, that he was made, in 
4 



74 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

God's moral image. Jesus Christ said unto the 
woman of Samaria, " God is a Spirit, and they 
that worship him must worship him in spirit and 
in truth." Hence we argue that the soul of 
man must be of the spiritual nature of God, be- 
cause the spirit indicated is common to both. 

The soul never thirsts for anything contrary to 
its own nature ; hence the Saviour says, " Blessed 
are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
for they shall be filled." 

Its desires and aspirations are altogether of a 
spiritual character, and it is in vain to attempt to 
satisfy its longings with anything unsuited to this 
character. As well might you attempt to satisfy 
the dainty and pampered appetite of the volup- 
tuary with coarse and unpalatable food, or to 
engorge a diseased stomach with that kind of 
food of which it is only susceptible when in a 
state of high health. The two things are impos- 
sible and preposterous. So is it altogether vain 
to attempt to feed the soul of man otherwise than 
with food of such a character as is suited to its 
nature. This, as we have before said, is spiritual. 

Now we see that a man, however well in- 
structed in the various branches of human lore, 
of whatsoever grasp and astuteness of intellect 
he may be possessed ; or if he be able to soar 
high in. eloquence, or even if he is capable of 
plucking the flowers of the tree of paradise, or 
if he could stretch his thoughts to every part of 
the globe, and embrace in the circle of his know- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 75 

ledge every subject within the range of human 
knowledge, and have with all this the capacity 
to explain all and unfold everything in nature, 
without authority from on high, the strength of 
his mission would be perfect weakness. With- 
out the qualifications that the Holy Ghost imparts, 
he cannot have this treasure : " For God, who 
commanded the light to shine out of darkness, 
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of 
Jesus Christ ; but ice have this treasure in earthen 
vessels, that the excellency of the power may 
be of God, not of usP We see that this treasure, 
which the true minister should have, does not 
consist in human attainments, nor in the posses- 
sion of human learning, but is the gift of God, 
as further saith St. Paul, " For I neither received 
it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the 
revelation of Jesus Christ." Gal. i, 12. 

Leaving these topics, which seemed somewhat 
legitimately to belong to the subject, I will go 
into an exposition of the means by which my 
faith was strengthened before sanctification : 1st. 
Self-examination, with the aid of the Spirit of 
God. I was brought to see sin in me to be ex- 
ceeding sinful; and, while under its weight, I 
was made to groan and say, " Who shall deliver 
me from the body of this death ?" I fasted every 
Friday. I retired to a certain place, more par- 
ticularly to pray by myself for this rich blessing 
of sanctification. While hearing a sermon on 



76 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

this subject, my mind was intensely fixed, in 
connection with my ardent desire to obtain ; and 
while I was hearing and believing, (for there was 
a mixture of faith with my hearing,) I almost 
imperceptibly found myself wound up by this 
faith, like a cable to an anchor. "While in this 
frame of mind, I seemed to realize the hope set 
before me, and some power or influence was im- 
parted, in an indescribable manner, which went 
through both body and soul. It appeared that 
under this operation there was no strength left 
in me ; but of such heavenly and delightful feel- 
ings I never was sensible before. I made inquiry 
of older brethren relative to these new and strange 
feelings ; they said it was the power of God. I 
said, Amen; Lord, let me have more. The 
next sabbath I heard a sermon on the same 
subject, from my brother Joseph ; and while he 
unfolded the glory and excellency of this heavenly 
doctrine, my soul was filled with glory and with 
God. And, after several shocks of this baptism 
of the Holy Ghost and fire, I fully believed, and 
still believe, that God did then give me the great 
blessing of full sanctification. I then saw and 
felt myself to be nothing ; and, at the same time, 
conceived myself filled with the fullness of God, 
and found the Spirit within me ; the fruits thereof 
are, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against 
which there is no law. And now my desire be- 
came stronger than ever, that every man might 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 77 

see, understand, and enjoy these high privileges. 
I was then enabled more readily to publish full 
and free salvation to all men. I found that un- 
der the preaching of this doctrine, sinners were 
awakened, both young and old; many were 
soundly converted to God, and generally united 
to the Methodist Church. For in all my travels, 
both as a local and traveling preacher, there were 
but very few but what joined the Methodist 
Church. My course has always been, not only 
to preach the doctrines that I firmly believe and 
adhere to, but to expose what I consider erro- 
neous in the doctrines of others. And my object 
has been, and still is, to come out plainly and 
honestly against wickedness and error of every 
guise. In reference to myself, I have resolved 
to lay aside every weight and the sin which doth 
so easily beset, and keep my garments unspotted 
from the world ; and I trust that what little per- 
secution I have suffered, has been for Christ's 
sake. Notwithstanding this radical change did 
take place with me, and ought to take place with 
every believer, I have found a great enlargement, 
that the light has shone more and more, and 
that this light emanating from God, and attractive 
in its nature, has been eifectual to draw me nigber 
and nigher to its own source. I now find my 
faith and confidence more firmly fixed in God. 
I have a clearer view of his dealings, a greater 
readiness to acknowledge his justice ; and the 
more I realize the relation in which I stand to 



78 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 

him, the more I am attached to him, his cause, 
and his people ; and now I am ready to say, I 
am not my own, but I am bought with a price, 
and I would wish to glorify God in my body 
and my spirit, which are his. Now my duty was 
plain, my work easy, and my path as the light 
of the just shining more and more. I was en- 
abled more fully to perceive the state of my fellow- 
men ; and being so sensible of the joys of full 
and free salvation, I was desirous that all the 
world should know and feel the same. My 
means at this time were very much limited, and 
the support of my family depended upon my 
daily labor, and I had some insurmountable 
difficulties, in connection with my domestic 
life, to contend with, into the details of which 
I will not enter. As it has been observed, 
and still may be noticed, that as the means of 
attaining knowledge at that period of the world 
were very small, being under the necessity, when 
but a boy, to labor hard for my own support 
and to aid my dependent parents, the time when 
I might, under other circumstances^ have been 
at school, was employed otherwise, so that all 
the learning that I could obtain, after going to 
school only about six weeks, could not be ex- 
pected to be either much or sound. It may, 
therefore, be seen, that what knowledge I had 
df the subject of divinity was not of men, but by 
the revelation of Heaven. With simplicity and 
godly sincerity I went forth, as far and as wide 



■ AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 79 

as possible, first, trying to show the sinner what 
he was ; second, what he needed or must have ; 
having the treasure in an earthen vessel, I offered 
it to him, and pointing him to Jesus Christ, who 
is the light of the world and the life of men, and 
the only object of faith, many, very many were 
led to believe on him with a heart unto righte- 
ousness ; and I am happy to say, and I have 
always been able to say, that the excellency of 
this power is of God, and not of us. 

And now, as it is reasonable that it should be 
expected from such an experience and from such 
a testimony as this, that all such men should 
abstain from the appearance of evil, I found it 
all important, in order to retain a clear conscience, 
to look more minutely into that great doctrine 
which the Saviour taught, that " Except a man 
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, he 
could not be his disciple;" consequently, I was led 
to examine and scan every desire, propensity, and 
motive, and to renounce the a pride of the eye." 
And in reference to desire and appetite, as I was 
trained up to use spirituous liquors freely while 
an apprentice, I found it necessary to begin to 
abstain fully from this pernicious habit. But I 
did not succeed in accomplishing this at that 
time. However, when I entered upon the itin- 
erating business of my life, I laid it entirely aside. 
And as it respects the possession of the know- 
ledge that puffeth up, I was not much troubled 
with the commodity ; but with the pride of the 



80 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

eye and the heart I had a sore contest. I found, 
by close examination, (for to this my conscience 
incited me,) that there were many things indulged 
in, both by myself and others, with reference to 
outward apparel, which the word of " God, I 
thought, would not justify. And as a Christian, 
and as a public reprover, I found that it was often 
said, " Physician, heal thyself." And as I found 
that I had a sincere desire to obey the " heavenly 
vision," and as my knowledge increased, the 
things that God disapproved of became hateful 
in my sight. I therewith began to order my con- 
versation according to the gospel, and to have 
all my outward appearance and demeanor cor- 
respond with the same. Here, in connection 
with this period of my life, I desire to relate a 
circumstance, to show the powerful influence of 
such a course of life. At a certain time, while 
sailing up the Hudson River, from New- York to 
Catskill, in company with a Presbyterian minis- 
ter, we noticed a company of men surrounding 
a table, engaged in playing at cards. "We con- 
sulted on the impropriety of the affair, and as to 
the manner of meeting it with successful reproof. 
He pressed the duty upon me, because I was the 
elder; I wished him to undertake it, because 
he was the best qualified. Finally, we arrived 
nearly to the conclusion to let them pass without 
reproof. But, as watchmen, we feared that their 
blood would be required at our hands ; I said, 
" In the name of the Lord I will try an experi- 



AUTO-BIOORAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 81 

ment." At that time I wore a plain coat, a wide- 
brimmed hat, and was generally recognized by- 
all as a Methodist preacher. I said to my brother, 
" If you will pray for me, I will try my project." 
I accordingly folded my arms, and assumed all 
the solemnity and gravity of which I was capable* 
I took my stand in the door, saying nothing. 
Directly one of the company took a view of me, 
and, in so doing, lost his game, and threw down 
his cards ; shortly, another took the same course, 
until three of them abandoned their play, and 
then the remaining five could go no further. So 
that they all were obliged to disperse. One of 
the company afterward apologized voluntarily to 
me in a very humble manner. 

All this was accomplished without the utter- 
ance of a word on my part. I believe, in general, 
that the less words used, in the way of reproof, 
the better, both in public and private, provided, 
always, the appearance and words are such as 
become the dignity of the minister, and are in 
accordance with the oracles of God. 

An incidental allusion has been made before 
to spirituous liquor and its use. I will now 
recur to that subject. As respects the use of it, 
that it is an evil, except when used as a medicine, 
there can be no doubt; and, like many other 
evils, the more it is indulged in the greater be- 
comes the desire for it. Not so with reference 
to that which is right ; for here when the cravings 
of nature are satisfied it desires no more. One 
4* 



82 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

reason why the use of it is an evil, is because 
that God, in his wisdom, in the work of creation, 
has ordered that sufficient spirit should be in the 
food of vegetation, equal to the calls and wants 
of nature. A simple fact will prove this : A skill- 
ful distiller will extract three gallons of alcohol 
from one bushel of rye, and often more. The 
life of the grain is equal in quantity and weight, 
though, in its native state, it cannot be said to be 
alcohol. AlPother vegetables possess the same 
quantity in proportion. Upon a fair investiga- 
tion it will be found, that men, on an average, 
consume one bushel of grain in a month. The 
amount of vegetables necessary to maintain a 
man this length of time, if distilled, would pro- 
duce ninety-six gills of alcohol. I argue, there- 
fore, that any man taking over this, is, in the 
sight of God, a drunkard. It is said that the 
wicked will always do wickedly; and it is a 
matter of fact, that a lesser evil indulged in will 
almost invariably lead to a greater. The most 
effectual cure for this degrading and destructive 
evil may be found in the exercise of reason and 
common sense, with the aid of the word and 
Spirit of God. If the dictates of common sense 
are regarded, a man will always be led in that 
course that will perpetuate his honor and dig- 
nity. Reason, when she assumes her proper 
stand, will always decide in favor of the correct 
judgment and decision of an enlightened un- 
derstanding. Neither pride, appetite, nor desire* 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 83 

should ever rule over any man's judgment. 
Interest is an element of every man's life, and 
should always be followed under certain limita- 
tions, subject to the decision of an enlightened 
understanding. The want of the proper know- 
ledge and due consideration of this, is one reason 
why a man does not attain to that which he 
ought; that is, to the capacity of having the 
government over himself, for this only will pro- 
cure for him happiness here ; but in the absence 
of it he will neither possess present happiness 
nor the prospect of future. 

There are considerations which may be pre- 
sented for the encouragement of the violator of 
these rules : — 1. Let him think seriously, who 
made him, and for what purpose he was made. 
He will find that the object of the Creator was, 
that he should enjoy all the product of his works, 
in a lawful, industrious, and prudent manner ; 
and that he is accountable for the same, and that 
he will have to answer to this Being for the im- 
provement he makes, according to his abilities 
and opportunities. 2. He must consider, that 
there are two great particulars included in the 
idea of glorifying God; first, that he must ac- 
knowledge God in all his claims upon him as 
man ; and, second, that he must perform all 
special and relative duties binding on him with 
reference to God and man. All that is strictly 
necessary for the performance of all these im- 
portant duties, is, that he have a full and free 



84 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

pardon of all his past sins, and that he walk in 
the light as He is in the light ; and that he have 
fellowship with all God's people, and that the 
blood of Christ shall have cleansed him from all 
the pollutions and defilements of sin. " But 
now being made free from sin, and become ser- 
vants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, 
and the end everlasting life." Romans vi, 22. 
3. Never offer or allow a child to make use of 
spirituous liquors, on any account, unless sick- 
ness demands it. For let the youthful mind be 
fully imbued with the sentiments expressed above, 
and it is entirely safe through life. If this is 
universally accomplished, and, from various pas- 
sages of Scripture that might be referred to, I 
firmly believe that it can be, in two generations 
ahead, drunkenness of every degree, with its 
many and complicated concomitants, such as 
infidelity, heathenism, debauchery, etc., would 
be entirely unknown. 

In connection with the foregoing topic, I will 
offer a few thoughts upon the use of tobacco, 
tea, and coffee. In touching upon these topics 
I will not go beyond the bounds of moderation. 
I am in favor of allowing everything to be used 
in its place, and to the extent, and for the pur- 
pose for which it was designed. Some part of 
the produce of the earth seems to be especially 
designed to be used as medicine. So far as 
this goes I give place to tobacco, and I doubt 
whether any man can bring a well-founded ar- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 85 

gument to the contrary. Many facts and cir- 
cumstances may be adduced to prove the above 
statement. It is a fact, that the use of tobacco, 
whether in the form of the quid, or segar, or 
pipe, causes a discharge from the mouth of that 
aliment which is necessary for the health of 
every man. This discharge prevents the proper 
and timely digestion of the food; and the lack 
of the proper performance of this function weak- 
ens the blood, and must necessarily affect the tone 
of the stomach and nervous system. If we were 
to develop the mere item of expense of this ar- 
ticle, it would be almost incredible. It is gene- 
rally thought that the expense of the spirituous 
liquor used in community is very great, but may 
we not safely say, that the expense of tobacco 
is three times as great ? In the United States, 
with a population of about 20,000,000, suppose 
that the average amount of expense is one penny 
a day for each person ; and this estimate must 
fall below the reality, taking the following fact 
for a basis : — I was informed that in a small 
village, situated among the mountains of New- 
York, the amount sold out of one store was 
four hundred pounds a week. At the rate of a 
cent per inhabitant, the amount expended a day 
is $200,000. This in a year amounts to the 
enormous sum of $73,000,000. What a fearful 
fact ! Let people consider it. 

1 And then, my friends, just think there's naught exceeds 
The filth that from a chewer's mouth proceeds ; 



86 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Two ounces chew'd a day 'tis said produce 
A full half pint of vile tobacco juice : 
Which, if continued five and twenty years, 
(As from a calculation it appears,) 
With this foul stuff would near five hogsheads fill, 
Besides old quids, a larger parcel still ; 
Nor am I with this calculation done, 
He in that time has chew'd a half a ton 
A wagon load of that which would of course 
Sicken a dog, or even kill a horse. 
Could he foresee, but at a single view, 
What he was destined in his life to chew, 
And then the product of his work survey, 
He would grow sick, and throw his quid away. 
Or could the lass, ere she had pledged to be 
His loving wife, her future prospects see : 
Could she but see that through his mouth would pass, 
In this short life, this dirty loathsome mass, 
Would she consent to take his hand for life, 
And, wedded to his filth, become his wife ? 
And, if she would, say where's that pretty miss * 
That envies her the lips she has to kiss ? 
Nor is this all : this dirty practice leads 
To kindred habits, and to filthy deeds. 
Using this weed, an able statesman thinks, 
Creates a thirst for stimulating drinks, 
Full many a one (who envies him his lot ? 
Smokes, and chews, and drinks, and dies a sot. 
If you would know the deeds of him who chews, 
Enter the house of God, and see the pews ; 
The lady's parlor carpet, painted floor, 
The chimney-piece or pannels of the door, 
Have all, in turn, been objects of abuse, 
Besmear'd and stain'd with his tobacco juice. 
I've seen the wall beside a certain bed 
Of one who chews tobacco, near the head, 
• Bedaub 'd and blacken'd with the hateful juice, 
While near it lay old quids for future use ; 
I've seen the woman who loved snuff so well, 
(How much she took no mortal tongue can tell,) 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 87 

Pick up old quids, and dry them by the fire, 

And grind them up, to satiate her desire. 

I've seen the bride, upon her wedding gown, 

The dirty pipe and filthy weed lay down, 

And then prepare the hateful thing to smoke, 

Before she had the nuptial silence broke ; 

And like a daughter true of mother Eve, 

Her new-made husband she did not conceive 

Was constituted head, and not a limb, 

She smoked herself, and gave the pipe to him ; 

And he, like Adam, with submission true, 

Took from her hand the pipe, and smoked it too." 

As for snuff, I ask any man of setise, feeling, 
or smell, if it is not the most dirty, filthy, sick- 
ening, and destructive thing that can possibly 
be stuck in the proboscis of any man or woman ! 
I recollect leading classes, where the abominable 
stench arising from this article was so sickening as 
almost to drive me out of the house. I will sim- 
ply mention one fact to show that snuff impairs 
the mind. I have sat in a congregation, and 
noticed for myself, a minister in the pulpit, in 
the short time of delivering one sermon, put his 
hand in his pocket, and draw out his snuff, I 
should think at least as much as ten times: a- 
clear evidence of aberration of mind. How 
does this tally with the character of a man who 
stands up to cry down sin, and warn the people? 
(This was not a Methodist minister.) And has 
not many a woman ended her days by this evil 
practice, rendered herself a disgrace to com- 
munity, obnoxious to her husband, and often 
poisoned the food which she prepares for the 



88 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

table ? "We should be glad to have all reform 
from this pernicious practice, but we fear that 
our wishes would be of no avail, as respects those 
who have become strongly addicted to it. They 
seem to be about irreclaimable. We suppose it 
would be proper to put them in the category of 
gumps, and there is no other way of their re- 
deeming themselves than by speedy turning and 
reformation ; for, doubtless, this is at least pos- 
sible in the most of cases. 

With regard to that other and most detestable 
habit of smoking, either in the form of the pipe 
or segar, it must be conceded by every one to 
come within the same category, as to filthiness 
and pollution, as the preceding. In my estima- 
tion this is the worst form in which the weed 
can be used. And such is the unyielding tena- 
city with which people hold on to this practice, 
that no place and no time are secure from its per- 
petration. This habit is not like the others, where 
the evil is confined to the individual victim of 
it, but it contaminates everything which comes 
within the compass of the circulation of its vile 
effluvia. A whole household is thus defiled and 
polluted with it. Every one is made to suffer. 
As there are many who take delight in puffing 
smoke, so there are many to whom even the 
smell is exceedingly offensive ; these, in the pre- 
sence of the smoker, are necessarily compelled 
to suffer : all are compelled to inhale the noxious 
poison- — there is no escape. In such cases it is 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 89 

in vain to expostulate; patient endurance of 
suffocation and stupor is the only remedy. 
Especially to an invalid, one whose nerves, for 
instance, have been shaken and unstrung by dis- 
ease, is this practice the most unendurable. But 
what are the effects upon the smoker himself ? — 
deplorable in every aspect. It sometimes pro- 
duces a sort of delirium tremens — exhausts his 
substance, disqualifies him for the active duties 
of life, disorders his vision, injures the brain, etc., 
ad infinitum. Its example also is very pernicious. 
It is astonishing that men of intelligence and 
education will indulge in it. Their example is 
followed by the young, and hence we see so 
many juvenile plugs engaged in the same ex- 
hibitions ; thus is perpetuated the habit. 

It certainly was a happy idea on the part of 
the Duke of Wellington to have this vile habit 
expurgated out of the British army. The " iron 
duke " must be, beyond dispute, an individual of 
sense. 

In reference to the use of tea, I have drunk it 
from time immemorial, but have never suffered 
myself to use it as a beverage without milk and 
sugar, and then very sparingly ; and my opinion 
is, if used in this manner, that it serves as one of 
the great braces of the human system. I have 
traveled among the people at large, for nearly 
thirty years constantly, and have always thought, 
and still think, that there is a degree of sin at- 
tached to the excessive indulgence in it, and 



90 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

especially to ask the sister to draw her tea out 
of the canister. I will here relate an awful cir- 
cumstance : — At a certain camp meeting held in 
the county of Delaware, about midnight tea was 
called for, as it was customary, when the meet- 
ing continued late, to have it at that time. 
There were present, probably, about ten or four- 
teen preachers. The presiding elder said to a 
young lady, the mistress of a very respectable 
tent, who, by the by, was a little more witty than 
holy, " Now let us have a good dish of tea — draw 
your tea out of the canister" Accordingly the 
mistress put about a quarter of a pound of young 
hyson into the utensil. After about the whole 
of the company had drunk but myself, I came 
along, and was asked to take a dish. I acqui- 
esced, as I thought it would do me good. They 
poured me a cup of the drainings. I had no 
sooner tasted it, and discovered it to be intensely 
strong and bitter, than I refused to drink it. It 
was said that one of the preachers, by the name 
of P. R. B., was so affected that he could not 
walk straight. These were said to be temperance 
men ! Lord deliver us ! 

Coffee appears to be a very innocent and sub- 
stantial vegetable, and, when properly prepared, 
may be classed with the other necessaries of life. 
Any person wishing to perpetuate his health and 
the proper action of the stomach, should not fail 
to drink a large tumbler of pure cold water when 
going to bed at night. So said the learned John 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 91 

Wesley. This simple act of deglutition has 
been useful to many, especially to myself. 

Since I am touching upon this topic, I would 
wish, for the benefit of all, to say, that the simple 
medicine that I shall describe will be found 
useful for children in almost every stage of life, 
and also, if timely and properly used, will remove 
the dyspepsia, and most certainly prevent that 
awful and fearful disorder, the consumption. 
The following is the recipe, and k is a great 
secret : — One ounce of aloes ; ditto, rhubarb ; 
ditto, ginger; half a pint of molasses; half a 
pint of gin. Let these ingredients be well 
mixed together, and well shaken. Take a com- 
mon table spoonful for an adult person when 
going to bed, and a less quantity according to 
age, constitution, and malignancy of the disorder. 
The materials must be of the best sort. For the 
satisfaction of the reader, I would just say that 
three doses of the above medicine effected for me 
a thorough cure, after having been sick for about 
one year. Let it be taken every other night, 
until the stomach is thoroughly cleansed, and 
the cure is speedy and effectual. 

While on this topic, I will descant briefly, as 
follows : — 

The most easy and ready way to restore the 
sick that are given up to die : — Various means 
are sought out, and much medicine prescribed for 
the benefit of the human system, while one spe- 
cial and most effective piece of knowledge, like 



92 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

a certain poor man that delivered the city that 
no man remembered, is neglected, which is the 
simple and all-powerful operation of nature. 
Often when the body is out of order, the sus- 
pension of animal food for a short season will 
restore it to its proper state of action; and 
also frequently, by the administration of the sim- 
ple beverages of vegetation in lieu of minerals, 
many lives may be saved. In confirmation of 
this, the following three circumstances witness; 
they may be relied on as facts : — 

The first, a young lady, in the town of Har- 
persfield, who had been a long time sick, and 
was attended by three celebrated apothecary phy- 
sicians, (the more celebrated, the less their know- 
ledge.) I called to visit this lady as I was passing 
through the neighborhood ; she being a member 
of the same church, converted to God at a cer- 
tain camp meeting near by, when I had charge of 
the circuit Of course it was not difficult for me to 
call her " daughter," and she me, " spiritual father." 
Of course she would relate her circumstances as 
they were ; she said to me, in a whisper only, 
as she could speak no louder, " I shall soon die ; 
I wish you to preach my funeral sermon ; I have 
the text and hymn selected." I told her I thought 
she need not die yet She said, " They all say 
I must die." I said, " How many doctors have 
you now ?" She said, u Two have left me ; I 
have now but one." She wished my advice. I 
said, " Dismiss the other doctor — throw all your 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 93 

medicine out of doors, or on the ground — you 
can but die with my advice." I directed a sim- 
ple process for her to pursue, regarding only 
vegetable elements, which she took; that is, wheat 
bread, boiling water put upon it, and sweetened 
with sugar, and spiced with nutmeg. She was 
to drink freely. I prayed with her, and left her. 
Some four or five months after I passed, and 
called at the same house. I inquired for the in- 
valid. They said she was away in Jefferson, 
teaching school. She took my advice, and she 
was thus well. Now, may we not readily see 
that many persons, for the want of this know- 
ledge and treatment, starve to death on medicine? 

The second case, of a similar nature, was a 
woman of family, who was given' up by two 
physicians. I providentially called the same 
day ; found her very weak, and expecting hourly 
to die. I made up my mind that the cause of 
her present weakness was the want of food. I 
advised her to boil a hen, after being properly 
dressed, (without washing,) and add a small 
quantity of salt ; drink moderately at first ; con- 
tinue to increase the quantity. I prayed with 
her and left her, hoping that she might recover. 
From this simple treatment, with toast water, 
she did recover. This was about seven years 
ago ; she is now well and able to work. 

Another, relating to a doctor, who resided in 
the town of Kortright. He had been under the 
doctor's care for about three months ; he was, 



94 AUTO-BIO.GRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

consequently, very much reduced; indeed, so 
much so, that he called a council of doctors. 
Three of the neighboring physicians came in. 
After consulting, they gave their opinion that he 
must go clown, and left him. I called to see 
him as soon after hearing the decision of the 
council as I could conveniently. He observed, 
that there was a discrepancy of opinion on his 
case by the physicians, and he wished to have 
my advice on the subject. I told him I did not 
wish to say anything on that particular ; but if 
he wished my advice in general, I would give it 
him. I accordingly told him, in the first place, 
that he needed religion. He asked me if a man 
might not have religion, and at the same time 
not know it. Said I, categorically, " No, sir ; 
when you have religion you will know it." He 
said, " If I live, I mean to be religious." I told 
him that that was what he needed now. I then 
turned to his sickness. " I think, sir, that you 
are starving to death." " "What would you do, 
sir ?" he asked. I directed him to take no more 
medicine nor wine. I then gave directions for 
the simpler treatment of toast water and hen soup. 

This course he pursued, and in a short time 
was well. He is now living, and practicing in 
his profession. 

I will now resume the circumstance of avoid- 
ing the appearance of evil, which is a personal 
matter, and has a marked and decided bearing 
upon the subject of this book, which is, to give 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 95 

a true and faithful narrative of the events and 
memoirs of my life, reserving to myself the 
liberty of expressing opinions, and expatiating 
upon such incidental topics as may come up 
for discussion, whether directly or indirectly 
connected with the matter of my true history; 
having in view, principally^ the bearing of such 
topics upon the general benefit of that part of 
society among whom this book will probably 
circulate. And, first, in our personal appearance, 
that it should always be such as not to cause the 
observer to doubt the reality of our profession 
by the exhibition of any extravagance or finical 
superfluity in our dress ; such as the putting on 
as an ornament, or making use of gold, or costly 
apparel. Can it be possible that the conscience 
of a sanctified person will allow him to wear 
clothing that costs one-third more than is neces- 
sary to make him or her decent and comfortable ? 
Is it too much to suppose that five dollars might, 
by this prudent and scrupulous process, be saved 
in the expense of every minister's coat, say in 
the New- York Conference? Without referring 
to other needless expenses, we shall see that this 
item of saving alone would amount to $1250 ; 
add to this the curtailment of the expenditure of 
$1250 more for gold, the annual interest of which 
would maintain one poor minister and his wife. 
If there were no such minister to provide for, 
would it not be a very important item divided 
among widows, children, and orphans ? If God 



96 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

was displeased under the old dispensation with 
such enormities as this, is it to be expected that 
he is any the less so in this enlightened age of 
the world ? Is it not a truth, that we hear our 
people, especially the old members of the church, 
say, that our ministers and people are not as they 
used to be ? And why this departure from the 
primitive tenets and usages of Methodism and 
the faith ? If no one else will speak, hear God's 
word. St. Paul saith, Heb. iii, 12, " Take heed, 
brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart 
of unbelief in departing from the living God." 

Perhaps it may be thought that we are too 
strenuous on this subject; but it is said that we 
are to be workers together with God, and that 
our labor in the Lord shall not be in vain. The 
bearing of the passage above quoted may not 
be readily perceived, but from the plain and 
pointed assertion contained in it, any man of 
reflection, with correct ideas, will see that if the 
heart is right with God, we shall not depart 
from him, nor desire anything from him or any 
other being, but what is agreeable to his word 
and will concerning us. We argue, therefore, 
the necessity of that faith, in constant exercise, 
which works by love and purifies the heart ; and 
while we are thus living by faith on the Son of 
God, our great object will be, in the lieu of put- 
ting heavy burdens upon each other, rather to 
help to bear each other's burdens, and so fulfill 
the law of Christ. We argue, also, the necessity 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 97 

of this doctrine and experience, in order to in- 
crease and perpetuate the union so necessary 
among Christians. 

How can two walk in union, except they be 
agreed ? And while one set of Christians contend 
for this faith, and enjoy its benefits, and others 
do not come up to this high standard, but deny 
its attainment, they can never be in union, any 
more than Cain and Abel, Christ and Belial. 

We shall leave this subject for the present 
5 



98 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 



CHAPTER III. 

COMPRISING MY ITINERANT LIFE FROM THE YEAR 1319 
TO 1823. 

Sharon circuit — Quarterly meeting — Suffocation — Preaching 
— A revival — The assemblyman and his son — The society flou- 
rishes — Building a church — Steeples — Holy ministers — Instru- 
ments of music in the house of God- — The two wooden bowls 
and halter — The case of a medical man — A singular dream — 
Many souls converted — Sacramental occasion — My apprehen- 
sion at Summit — Conversion of those implicated — Five o'clock 
meeting — Baptism by immersion and sprinkling — Start for 
conference — Return and preach — Increase — Circuit divided — 
Appointed to Jefferson — Reading of rules — Incidents — Brother 
Charles Chase — A garden that I spaded up — Advice to younger 
brethren with regard to fifth collections — Conduct of Presby- 
terians — Two days' meeting — Dr. Barrett — Erection of church 
at Gilboa — Presbyterians sneer — Sermon by Dr. Barrett — 
Church at Blenheim — Anti-renters — Church built at Stamford — 
Camp meeting — Order at camp meetings — Stone thrown at me 
— Case of a lad, fourteen years old — Windham — Love-feast — 
The ball — Work prosperous — Causes of reformation. 

The first circuit that I entered, in the capacity 
of an itinerant preacher, was Sharon, which com- 
prised parts of Schoharie, Delaware, and Otsego 
counties. I was the junior preacher, John Fin- 
nigan being the preacher in charge. 

The first quarterly meeting on the circuit was 
held at Decatur- Hollow, Eben Smith presiding 
elder. The services on the sabbath were con- 
ducted in the open air. Eben Smith preached 
from the following text : " To one, we are the savor 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 99 

of life unto life ; to the other, of death unto death ; 
and who is sufficient for these things ?" The 
place of worship at Decatur was of a very indif- 
ferent character, being a small unfinished house ; 
but the work so revived among the people, that 
they repaired the house so much as to make it 
comfortable. As there were no stoves in the 
house, a fire was made in a kettle of charcoal, 
and the house being very close, one woman 
directly fainted away and fell. I myself, in the 
pulpit, experienced very strange feelings, and 
was on the eve of giving up, when the windows 
and doors being opened, there was directly a 
change for the better. 

The society continued to increase, and was for 
a long time considered to be sound, orthodox, 
and respectable. While the society was supplied 
with the preaching of a man by the name of 
Bowdish, a gracious revival took place among 
the people; and as I have always made it a 
practice to visit my old friends, where I have for- 
merly traveled, I visited this place, and preached 
to them ; a large company, mostly of young peo- 
ple, came forward for prayers. There was a 
great deal of noise, both from the shouts of God's 
people and the cries of the penitent. "When I 
left, the Presbyterians said, that " Bangs had been 
over, and set all the children crazy." Some short 
time afterward, I visited the neighborhood again. 
After preaching, I invited all that desired to seek 
salvation to come forward and manifest the same 



100 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

by kneeling before the Lord. A man of a family, 
a lawyer, put a child down from his arms, de- 
liberately walked to the place indicated, fell on 
his knees, and was soon converted. A large 
number of persons were present that evening, 
nearly all being adults. After this meeting, all 
mouths were stopped, and nothing more said 
about being * crazy." About midnight we con- 
cluded to come to a close ; I told them that I 
wished to ask three questions before we broke 
up. One was, as to how many had experienced 
religion since this revival began ; I requested 
them to signify by rising up. So many rose, 
that we could not well count them. The next 
question was, how many are there remaining in 
the congregation who desire to seek salvation ? 
Quite a number responded, by rising. I said, 
One question more ; we have been fishing here 
a long time, and have caught nothing, and we 
now wish to know, who will now come under 
the rules of the Methodist Discipline, and join 
society. Please to rise up and stand till you are 
counted. The number was forty. I wish to re- 
late a circumstance in connection with this 
society. A certain old gentleman, who had been 
spending the winter at Albany as assemblyman, 
while on his return home, was told that his little 
son, about nine years old, had experienced re- 
ligion. " Religion !" said he ; " ah, that is some 
of his brother's work," — his brother being a leader. 
Some time after, while all the family had gone 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 101 

to church but the old gentleman and the boy, 
the boy was missing. The old gentleman thought 
he would go out to see what had become of him. 
As he came to the barn, he heard a noise under 
the barn floor. He went softly along to listen, 
when he discovered the boy in the attitude of 
solemn prayer. He appeared to become very 
happy. The boy in his prayer was led to men- 
tion his father. His prayer had such an effect 
upon the old gentleman, that he was constrained 
to pray for himself. He soon learned that the 
conversion of his son was not of man, but of God. 

Here we see the powerful influence of prayer. 
" Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto 
you." 

The society in this place continued to progress 
and enlarge in numbers ; but on account of the 
lack of some necessary means, the more import- 
ant points in their experience were not brought 
forward ; such as, a deeper work of grace, or 
the second blessing, so important to keep them 
firm and steady in all the grand principles of the 
gospel. 

When the old house of worship was found to 
have become too small for the recent enlarge- 
ment of the society, the brethren, with the aid of 
the community, decided on building a larger and 
more suitable place of worship ; this was accord- 
ingly done, and would have been complete, had 
it not been for the superfluous erection of an un- 
necessary steeple with it. I will not say that the 



102 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

steeple has been the cause of difficulty; but 
if Mr. Wesley be correct, unnecessary expen- 
diture, whether for steeples or otherwise, has 
caused rich men td be indispensable, which has, 
to the knowledge of most people, lessened the 
influence and force of Methodism. Further, it 
argues that a degree of that sin which is so hate- 
ful in the sight of God, called pride, has been 
retained ; whereas, it would all have been cast 
out if the effects of that prayer had been expe- 
rienced : " May the very God of peace sanctify 
you throughout soul, body, and spirit." The 
greatest reason why this all-important work in 
the soul has not been fully accomplished, princi- 
pally originates in the ministry ; and I believe, 
for myself, that if the ministers all had been holy, 
devout, and humble, that they would have had 
more fully in their minds the worth of immortal 
souls, and the advancement of the flock, in giving 
to all their portion of meat in due season. 
Then the idea of superfluity and needless ex- 
pense would, never have possessed them, and 
that steeple would never have been built; the 
bass viol, and all instrumental music, would have 
been kept out. 

Why is it not as lawful to introduce into the 
solemn worship of God all instruments, as well 
as one ? 

I will here insert, as bearing upon this topic, 
the fifth verse of the sixth chapter of Amos ; with 
Dr. Clarke's comments upon it, and also his and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 103 

Mr. Watson's sentiments on choir singing: — 
" That chaunt to the sound of the viol, and invent 
to themselves instruments of music, like David." 
Upon this, says Dr. Clarke, " I believe that 
David was not authorized by the Lord to intro- 
duce that multitude of musical instruments into 
the divine worship, of which we read : and I am 
satisfied that his conduct in this respect is most 
solemnly reprehended by this prophet; and I 
further believe, that the use of such instruments 
of music in the Christian church is without the 
sanction, and against the will, of God ; that they 
are subversive of the spirit of true devotion ; and 
that they are sinful. If there was ivo to them 
who invented instruments of music, as did David 
under the law, is there no ivo, no curse, to them 
who invent them, and introduce them into the 
worship of God in the Christian church ? I am 
an old man and an old minister ; and I here de- 
clare, that I never knew them productive of any 
good in the worship of God ; and have had rea- 
son to believe that they were productive of much 
evil. Music, as a science, I esteem and admire ; 
but instruments of music in the house of God I 
abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of 
music. 

" The word, t^tn&n, happoretim, which we 
render chant, and the margin quaver, signifies to 
dance, to skip, &c. In the sight of such a text, 
fiddlers, drummers, waltzers, &c, may well trem- 
ble, who perform to excite detestable passions." 



104 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

CHOIR SINGING. 
DR. CLARKE'S VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT. 

Though I never had a personal quarrel with the 
singers in any place, yet I have never known one 
case where there was a choir of singers, that they 
did not make disturbance in the societies. And 
it would be much better in every case, and in 
every respect, to employ a precentor, or a person 
to raise the tunes ; and then the congregation 
would learn to sing, the purpose of singing would 
be accomplished, every mouth would confess to 
God, and a horrible evil would be prevented — 
the bringing together in the house of God, and 
making them the almost only instruments of cele- 
brating his praises, such a company of gay, airy, 
giddy, and ungodly men and women as are gene- 
rally grouped in such choirs ; for voice and skill 
must be had, let decency of behavior and moral- 
ity be where they will. Everything must be sa- 
crified to a good voice, in order to make the choir 
complete and respectable. Many scandals have 
been brought into the church of God by choirs 
and their accompaniments. Why do not the 
Methodist preachers lay this to heart ? Melody, 
which is allowed to be the most proper for de- 
votional music, is now sacrificed to an exuberant 
harmony, which requires not only many different 
kinds of voices, but different musical instruments 
to support it. And by these preposterous means 
the simplicity of the Christian worship is destroyed, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 105 

and all edification totally prevented. And this 
kind of singing is amply proved to be very inju- 
rious to the personal piety of those employed in 
it : even of those who enter with a considerable 
share of humility and Christian meekness, how 
few continue to sing with grace in their hearts 
unto the Lord! — Christian Theology, p. 244. 

MR. WATSON'S VIEWS ON THE SAME. 

He had a high sense of the solemnity and 
decorum with which the public worship of God 
ought always to be conducted. Of choirs of 
singers in different chapels, he deliberately, and on 
principle, disapproved ; and he was of opinion 
that they had greatly injured the psalmody and 
devotion of the Methodist congregations. He 
thought that musical instruments in general 
should be superseded, and the congregations 
surrendered to the guidance of a pious and 
judicious leading singer. That the singing 
department of the worship of God should be 
governed by whim, and desecrated by the pride 
of vain and worldly men, he deemed impious : 
and, as the means of neutralizing an evil which 
he could not effectually cure, he frequently dic- 
tated the tunes that he wished to be sung to 
the particular hymns which he had selected. For 
this he was well qualified by his fine taste in 
music, and his intimate acquaintance with the 
principles of the science ; and to this day, in the 
remembrance of his friends in Hull, his favorite 
5* 



106 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

hymns are associated with his favorite tunes. 
" Our people," he would sometimes say, " are 
a devotional people : they love psalmody ; and 
were they not hindered by the trifling of the choir, 
they would produce the finest congregational 
singing in the world." — Life of Watson, p. 132. 

It is possible and probable the society above spo- 
ken of give an ample and honorable support to the 
ministers who statedly labor among them; but 
might not the interest of superfluous expendi- 
tures about the church be on hand as a sufficient 
surplus to be appropriated to those brethren who 
come from a distance, and render them aid on 
various occasions? I have myself, probably, 
visited that neighborhood between twenty and 
forty times since I left the circuit, and, if I am not 
mistaken, all the compensation that I received 
consisted in two wooden bowls and a halter; 
this last item was rather an equivocal expression 
of regard, as it might either have been used for 
my horse, or to hang myself. Though the dis- 
tance I rode, each time, was over twenty miles, 
yet I neither asked nor required any wages ; still 
the sin of giving could not be imputed. " He 
that giveth a cup of cold water in the name of a 
disciple shall not lose his reward." Matthew. 
" Not because I desire a gift ; but I desire fruit 
that may abound to your account." Phil, iv, 17. 
I hope these observations and sentiments will 
not be misconstrued ; but if they bear hardly 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 107 

upon any one, let him that is without sin cast 
the first stone. 

I will here generally record a few incidents 
connected with my station on this circuit. A part 
of pure religion is to visit the sick. After my 
first appointment from the New- York Conference, 
leaving all that was dear to me on earth, a wife 
and family of small children, commencing my 
labor according to the plan of my circuit, I was 
called to see a medical m|n,\yhowas very sick. 
I immediately repaired to the place, looking upon 
myself as a missionary of the cross, and a ser- 
vant to all. I made such inquiries and gave 
such instructions as I thought suited to the case 
of the dying man. After prayer, I conversed with 
the family. A young lady, who had been present 
to help to take care of the sick, was awakened and 
converted, which was the first-fruit of my labor 
on the circuit. Some time after, while planting 
the pure doctrines of the gospel in that place, the 
fruit began visibly to be seen. At this juncture 
there was a small society of twelve females and 
four males at this locality. On one occasion, 
after preaching at a place called Foster's school- 
house, I invited those that had a desire to seek 
the salvation of their souls, to make it known by 
coming forward for prayers. A number pre- 
sented themselves, and among them a justice of 
the peace. Late at night I rode four miles, and 
put up. That night I had the following singu- 
lar dream : — I thought I was fishing, and caiight 



108 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

a fish that was uncommonly beautiful. I thought 
it looked so fine I would make sure of it, and I 
accordingly put it in my pocket. I awoke, and 
the first thing presented to my mind was my 
dream. After a few moments' reflection I fell 
asleep, and dreamed of fishing again. After 
fishing for a while I perceived there was some- 
thing very heavy to my hook, and I drew it up, 
and found that I had six fishes, apparently united 
together, but could i\ot determine what it was 
that united them. I heard them cry, and saw 
that they appeared to be uneasy. Seeing they 
were so united, I thought I would not separate 
them. So I put them in the water and left them. 
As near as I can recollect, the next time I came 
round to that school-house, after preaching and 
having prayer meeting, I inquired who wished 
to join society under the rules and regulations 
of the Methodist Discipline : six persons pre- 
sented themselves, the squire first. Before I left 
the place there were about one hundred con- 
verted and added to the church. 

The squire was quite an influential man in 
the neighborhood, and was very active in ad- 
vancing reformation among the people. Since 
that time there has been a large house of worship 
built. 

When I perceived the number that presented 
themselves for church membership, and con- 
sidered their character, I was enabled to interpret 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 109 

my dream. The united fishes represented the 
mass of those who joined, and the large fine 
fish represented the squire. 

In the town of Sharon, by the blessing of God, 
and in consequence of the sturdy and unflinch- 
ing promulgation of the doctrines of the gospel, 
there were many souls converted, and much 
excitement created on the subject of religion. 
Some time in January it struck my mind that 
it would be a good thing to appoint a meeting at 
five o'clock in the morning at a certain place. 
This was an entirely novel proceeding in that 
country, such a thing never before having been 
heard of. In the morning I had to ride five 
miles to jeach the place of meeting, and found 
about fifty persons collected before the time. 
Before six o'clock we had about three hundred 
persons present. "We had a most delightful 
time, and closed just after daylight. This meet- 
ing seemed to put new life and zeal into the 
hearts of the people, and thence to diffuse itself 
through the community. The leaven implanted 
here diffused and spread itself throughout the 
country in many places, and by a diversity of 
means : first, simply among the hearts of the peo- 
ple ; secondly, by raising up men to preach abroad 
the unsearchable riches of Christ. There were 
produced from this revival, men who have since 
filled, and do now fill, stations both in the 
itinerant and local ranks of our church. It is, 



110 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

therefore, impossible to calculate the exact 
amount of good originating probably in this 
single five o'clock meeting. 

Being in the town of Westford, I preached to 
a very small congregation in a school-house. In 
four weeks I came to that place again. The 
congregation was still small. The society was 
not in a very cheering or encouraging condition 
in regard to religion. I put up with the leader, 
and while considering the state of religion in the 
place, I was much depressed in feeling. I arose 
in the morning early, and requested to have my 
horse brought. They wished to know for what 
purpose — if I was going before breakfast, etc. ? 
I said I should eat no more in that place at pre- 
sent, and that I felt like rending my clothes, and 
tearing my hair from my head. I told them I 
should fast and pray, and should come there once 
more, and if things were no better I should not 
come again. The sister said, " If our minister 
is going to fast and pray, we will fast and pray 
too." When I came I found that a change had 
taken place for the better. Some time after this, 
as I was riding in my sleigh, I had an impression 
on my mind as clear as though some person had 
spoken to me, that I had better administer the 
Lord's supper in the Presbyterian church. I 
immediately answered aloud, " I ivill do so." 
Accordingly our Presbyterian brethren gave us 
the use of their house. On Saturday we preached 
to a crowded congregation. As the preacher in 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. Ill 

•charge was not there in consequence of ill health, 
I sent a messenger twenty miles for Rev. Benja- 
min Z. Paddock, to come and preach for me on 
the sabbath and administer the sacrament. He 
came, and preached a most appropriate and de- 
lightful sermon. After preaching, the sacrament 
was administered, and about fifty of our Presby- 
terian brethren partook of the consecrated bread 
and wine with their Methodist brethren. Their 
receiving the sacrament together struck me as a 
beautiful sight. At the same time tlrere was a 
close communion Baptist sitting near the scene. 
Not many days after he met his elder, and related 
the circumstances connected with this occasion, 
and said to him, " If I eve? am at such a place, 
and have such feelings again, I certainly shall 
partake of the sacrament." His elder prevailed 
on him to promise that he would not do so. After 
they had parted he soliloquized to himself thus, 
" I made my vow to God first, and feel myself 
at liberty not to adhere to my promise to the 
elder." Not long after, there was a meeting of a 
similar kind, at which he was present, and, in 
accordance with his determination, he partook 
of the sacrament. Shortly after, he came out and 
professed to have experienced the blessing of 
entire sanctification, and declared it to his Baptist 
brethren. They told him he was deluded. He 
said he had never found the right way before. 
They withdrew fellowship from him. He im- 
mediately joined the Methodists, and has ever 



112 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

since been, I believe, an acceptable and worthy 
member. At that meeting it is supposed that 
about three hundred were awakened ; but only 
about one hundred joined the M. E. Church. 

Some twenty -five years ago a camp meeting 
was held in the town of Sharon, Schoharie 
county, N. Y., Eben Smith presiding elder, 
myself preacher in charge. 

On Saturday night it was # reported that a 
company of rude people, from a certain neighbor- 
hood in the town of Summit, had erected a tent 
for their accommodation, to spend the sabbath, 
supposed not to be for any good, but it finally 
resulted in their good, as the sequel will show. 
About midnight I was directed by the presiding 
elder to take certain persons with me to remove 
that company from the ground. In so doing, I 
found them all abed, and their lights put out. 
In their removal it was said that there was some 
damage to bonnets, clothing, etc., and as I was 
the manager, they resolved on having revenge ; 
and as my appointment, after the camp broke 
up, was not far from their neighborhood, one of 
the company took a warrant to have me appre- 
hended, and brought before Esquire Harvey 
Brown, (now a preacher in the M. E. Church ) 
After preaching three times, and meeting three 
classes on the same day, the constable presented 
his warrant. I accordingly went three miles to 
the place appointed for the investigation, and 
found about forty men collected to see the Metho- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 113 

dist preacher tried. (Methodists were scarce in 
that country at that period of time.) The justice 
of the peace was sent for. In the mean time 
many hard speeches and imprecations were heard 
from the lips of those present ; but I remained 
mostly silent, hoping and praying that my divine 
Master would make his power known in great 
mercy. I shall never be able to describe my 
feelings on that occasion ; for humble as was the 
instrument, the grace of my Saviour was singu- 
larly exalted. As this was near the time of har- 
vest, I was not willing to call* the people from 
their labors to a trial in which there were no great 
consequences pending. Accordingly when the 
court was called, the plaintiff offered settlement 
upon the small payment of seventy-five cents 
costs, which was not legally due from me ; but 
I thought, rather than put the community to the 
expense of two hundred dollars, it would be 
better to " suffer wrong than to do wrong," so I 
paid the costs. 

As it was customary in those days to have many 
grog-shops, and much spirits used, and citizens 
being in the habit of using them, when the squire 
received the costs, it being in the bar-room, where 
there were about forty unconverted men, with my- 
self and five good brethren, the squire called for half 
a pint of rum. The moment that he said " rum," 
it entered into my heart to pray. I asked the 
squire if he would wait a moment before he had 
his rum ? " No objection." I said to the land- 



114 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

lord, " May I pray in your house ?" " No ob- 
jection." When I said pray, a solemn sense of 
the presence of God was felt — every man's hat 
was off. I and my brethren knelt down. I 
prayed to the Lord. Solemnity rested upon the 
audience. After prayer, the squire, who was a 
skeptic, said he thought his moral excellence 
was as good as my pharisaical prayer, but 
before it was over, he said that he thought or 
felt that rum would not taste good, and when 
prayer was ended, found that one of his props of 
infidelity had fallen out. I then called for my 
horse, it being twelve o'clock at night. The 
landlord would take no pay, and requested me to 
call again. I bade the squire good by, rode four 
miles, and put up at three o'clock in the morning. 
At this time there was a great revival on what 
is called Sharon circuit. This was the second 
year of my traveling as an itinerant minister. 
Many of the converts of that revival are yet 
living members in the militant church, with 
whom my affections are closely united, and will 
never be ruptured. 

"When I came around near the place where the 
constable conducted me on warrant, I left an ap- 
pointment with the people, that I would preach 
at Summit Four Corners — and left an appoint- 
ment for four weeks after. After preaching, I 
inquired who felt the need of the Saviour, and 
gave an invitation to all such to come forward 
and kneel down for prayers. At that time there 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 115 

were five persons, all heads of families, and the 
squire first. 

When I came round again there were many 
forward for prayers, and the squire among them. 
At this time he said, " Go home with me." In 
leaving the place of worship I put my arm 
around his neck. Then he said he thought he 
should die. But he soon found spiritual life in 
believing in Jesus ; after this his house became 
a resting place for Methodist ministers, and he 
became a leader and preacher in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. "When I left, there were 
about forty persons in society, the squire being 
leader. All the persons that were in that tent at 
the camp meeting became converted, and joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, except two, 
one of whom joined the Presbyterian Church, 
and the other is still far off from any church. 
Since that time there have been several interesting 
revivals in that place, and a M. E. Church has 
been built, and also one for the Baptists ; and 
there is now a very flourishing village in that 
place. 

In all this we may see the good providence of 
God exemplified, who makes even the " wrath 
of his enemies to praise him." 

I appointed at Westford a meeting, to be held 
at five o'clock in the morning, which, at that time 
of the year, was about sunrise, when there were 
to be seventeen persons baptized. The modes 
were chosen by the candidates. Between three 



116 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

and four hundred persons were present at the 
hour of appointment For some cause the Pres- 
byterian church was now shut against us. The 
school-house, of course, was not sufficiently ca- 
pacious to hold more than one-half of the people. 
I accommodated them in the best manner I was 
able, by standing in the door and preaching. An 
old gentleman, by the name of Squire Bentley, an 
open communion Baptist, (all Christians should 
favor such communion,) observed, " I have seven- 
ty-five dollars invested in the Presbyterian church, 
and now the doors are closed against me ; if the 
Methodists will build a church, I will give them 
seventy-five dollars." That afternoon I started for 
conference, which was held that year in the city 
of Albany. After I had progressed on my journey 
about twelve miles, I met an inhabitant of the 
above neighborhood. Feeling such a peculiar 
anxiety for the people, and having serious impres- 
sions with regard to them, I sent an appointment 
back by that man for preaching the next morning 
at nine o'clock, at the dwelling-house of Artemas 
Howe. By the time appointed, the house and 
door-yard were nearly full of people. I had ridden 
that morning about five miles; I hitched my 
horse to the post, stood in the door, read the 
twentieth chapter of Acts, and preached a short ser- 
mon, leaving the congregation, and many sinners 
seeking salvation. I mounted my horse, and 
pursued my journey for conference. At this 
place they now have a fine house of worship. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 117 

Some of the brethren at conference answered, 
when my name was called, that I had gone back 
to feed the sheep. 

I believe at this conference the foundation 
sermon of one of the churches in Albany- 
was preached by , then a mem- 
ber of the New- York Conference. By some 
observations of his that I noticed, were caused 
some serious doubts in my mind as to the 
amount of humility necessary for a minister 
of the gospel to possess and exhibit. Had he 
been in the possession of all that purity and 
holiness which are so necessary to preserve a man 
from falling out by the way, the church would 
have been saved from the deep wound and blot 
that he left upon her escutcheon. 

I was stationed on this circuit two years. The 
first year the increase of the church amounted to 
one hundred and sixty-six. The second year, 
Horace "Weston had the charge ; in the fall of 
the same year his health failed, and I was left 
alone ; after this, Roswell Kelly was sent on to 
supply his place. The number of accessions 
amounted to three hundred and seventy-two, 
making, for the two years, an increase of five 
hundred and thirty-eight. 

Sharon circuit was divided in 1821, and I 
was appointed that year to Jefferson circuit; a 
part of which before had been included in Sha- 
ron. This was a very large circuit, being, in 
circumference, about four hundred miles, em- 



118 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

bracing parts of Schoharie, Greene, and Dela- 
ware counties. It had forty-two appointments. 
I was preacher in charge, with Henry Eames 
as my junior. He was a faithful, laborious, 
and successful preacher. At a certain time, 
while speaking of the work of God in general 
and of God's goodness to him, the divine pre- 
sence so filled his soul that he could not retain 
his posture, and fell to the floor. 

As near as my recollection serves me, at the 
second appointment, after preaching, I read the 
General Rules to the congregation, and explained 
and enforced them, especially the rule on tem- 
perance. # There was an aged gentleman sit- 
ting in the congregation, who was keeper of an 
inn near the place of worship, whp had been, 
and was at that time, a hard drinking man ; and 
who from that time commenced seeking the Lord, 
found religion, and became a sober and faithful 
Christian, and not long after died in the triumphs 
of faith. This is an instance in which the gospel 
showed itself effectual in producing a permanent 
reformation, in all respects, even from intem- 
perance. Yet I would not wish to disparage 
the temperance movement; but simply to say, 
where the grace of God is first implanted, absti- 
nence from intemperance is always one of the 
happy results attendant upon it. As I came to 
my next appointment, on Saturday afternoon, on 

* An excellent plan ! Would that it were more generally 
observed I — Eds. Christian Advocate and Journal. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 119 

Hunter Mountain, my lodging place was with the 
leader, who said to me before I had time to put 
out my horse, " We have work for you here." 
I said, " What is it ?" He answered, " There is 
a member that must be dropped." I said, " Sir, 
I have not come here to kill the people, but to 
help to save them. Will you show me where 
this brother lives ? I will go and see him." He 
said, " I will go with you ; but it will do no 
good." The distance was a mile and a half 
across the mountain, through the fields and 
brush, to a small log house. The brother was 
not at home. I left word, after some conversa- 
tion with the family, to tell the brother that the 
shepherd had been there, and that he had come 
to hunt up tiie lost sheep, and there was some 
complaint against him from the leader ; and as 
I had taken the trouble to come and see him, I 
should expect him now to come and see me ; 
and wished him, if possible, to be the next day 
at church. When he came home, his wife said 
to him, " The shepherd has been here." The 
man asked what he wanted ? His wife then 
communicated to him my message. " Well," 
said the brother, " if the minister has taken that 
trouble, I shall go and see him." He came to 
church with all his family. I preached to a 
crowded congregation in the school-house. In 
the class meeting this brother made confession, 
and promised to do better in time to come. We 
had no cause further to notice his case. 



120 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

" Forgive one another, as God for Christ's 
sake has forgiven you." This is a rule which 
should always be observed, otherwise no church 
or family can dwell together in harmony and 
union. When the class meeting closed, I opened 
the door to the entry of the school-house, and 
found it full of people, who began to move to 
the outside door. I requested them to wait a 
short time, as I wished to speak to them. I con- 
versed with them all ; some of them were very 
serious. 

"When I came to that place again in four weeks, 
I found that nine of the congregation had pro- 
fessed to have experienced the meek religion of 
Christ. Seven of them joined class. From this 
time the glorious gospel prevailed. The prin- 
cipal part of the family of the delinquent brother, 
mentioned above, was converted ; and one son 
became a minister of the gospel. I cannot recol- 
lect the exact number added to the church there, 
but it was very considerable; and there was 
soon after a large house of worship built. 

One incident worthy of notice is that of a 
lady, seventy-six years of age, by the name of 
M'Gregor, who experienced religion one night 
after I had preached in her house ; and was made 
so sensible of her lost, misspent time, for so many 
years, though her distance was three miles from 
the church, she resolved never to be absent as 
long as she lived, Providence permitting. Ac- 
cordingly, during the three years after, to the last 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 121 

sabbath of her existence, she was at church. 
Many other instances might be named ; but in 
order that the church may see the progress of 
the work of God for two years on Jefferson cir- 
cuit, we will mention a few things in general terms. 

About seven hundred souls were added to the 
church ; included in this number were forty -two 
persons from the Calvinistic churches. Many 
new societies were established; six churches were 
built, or in progress of erection, and one other 
bought. These houses are now all finished. Since 
that time the work has had great success both as 
regards numerous other churches built, and the 
number of people added to the denomination ; 
viz., ten new churches; and the Methodist popu- 
lation, though I cannot give the specific number, 
yet has increased, of course, greatly, as the num- 
ber of new churches erected shows. 

In connection with the second appointment, 
I wish to notice the circumstance of one family. 
A certain lady, who was at the first appointment 
in that place, on returning home, gave informa- 
tion of the meeting to her husband. " Well," 
said she, " the Methodists have got a man here now 
that will scrape the ground for them." " When 
he comes again," rejoined the husband, " I shall 
go and hear what he has to say." This man 
was a justice of the peace, and stood high among 
the people. He did go, and the happy result 
was that both he and his wife were converted, 
Not long after, the principal part of his family of 
6 



122 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

children became converted also. This brother 
became very efficient in the church, as a leader, 
steward, and local preacher. Not only as re- 
spects his aid in regard to finances, for he was 
very active, but also in advancing the spiritual 
prosperity of the church he was successful ; and 
during last winter an extensive revival com- 
menced in Hunter Mountain society, which was 
greatly promoted through his instrumentality. 
The name of this brother was Charles Chase, 
of West Hunter. The hospitality of his house 
was always ready for the reception of Methodist 
ministers. He is now dead, and his death was 
triumphant ; and the writer, while recording this 
testimonial of his upright life and happy death, 
would beg to be permitted to express his con- 
dolence and sympathy in behalf of the bereaved 
family. Let him mingle his tears with them 
around the family altar, and pray that they, 
though he cannot return to them, may have the 
hope and assurance of one day seeing him in 
heaven. 

At West Hunter there has more recently been 
held a protracted meeting, at which I was in 
attendance a part of the time ; which was but a 
short time before brother Chase left the church 
and his family, to dwell on high. On the sab- 
bath, brother Chase, with his benevolent wife, 
made preparations to entertain the people, cor- 
respondent to their hospitable character. At 
dinner there was a table spread sufficient to ac- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 123 

commodate fifty persons or more ; and after they 
had been served, there was a sufficiency of pro- 
visions left on the table to serve as many again. 
As I sat by the side of the junior preacher at the 
table, I remarked to him : " This is a garden 
that I spaded up a number of years ago, put a 
fence around it, and here you are now living in 
it." " I know it — I know it," he responded. 
Now, perhaps, if the younger brethren would 
look over the fields that their elder brethren and 
fathers have cultivated, attentively and duly ap- 
preciate the advantages which the church now 
enjoys, they would be ready to sympathize with 
these worn-out veterans, and at least once a year 
represent their cases in a proper and forcible 
light before the public, in making their fifth col- 
lections. Were this done timely, and in the 
spirit of it, not a supernumerary, superannuated 
minister, widow, or orphan child, would be des- 
titute of the necessaries and comforts of this life. 
What a disgrace it is for a young man to come 
to conference with only a few. shillings as his 
fifth collection ? as though when his own wants 
were supplied, it was allowable, or proper, or 
Christian, for him to forget and neglect all 
others. Such, certainly, do not anticipate their 
own valetudinarianism and destitution, else 
would they be more prompt in doing to others 
as they would wish to be done by. Let no 
person interested pass this matter over slightly, 
as though it was a matter that concerned only 



124 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

the writer. The duty of the brethren connected , 
with this subject is imperative, and must not be 
neglected. I attended to this duty strictly. I 
made it a point to unfold the subject, and repre- 
sent it in its true light, with all its ramified 
bearings, and did not fail in securing a good 
collection. 

I will here mention a circumstance, with 
reference to the conduct of the Presbyterians 
toward the Methodists in the towns of Broome 
and Blenheim : — The work of the Lord went on 
gloriously, and sinners were converted by scores. 
We wanted their houses to hold extra meetings, 
but we met with their refusal of them at both 
places. At one of the places the consistory, with 
their minister, Mr. Page, of Gilboa, met. They 
decided that if we would give up some points of 
our doctrine, and agree not to preach against 
theirs, that we could have their house for a love- 
feast and sacramental occasion. I considered 
this too high a price ; they asked too much. I 
mounted my horse, and rode about a mile to the 
south, where I had previously noticed a very 
beautiful chesnut grove. I inquired of the owner 
if he would let me have that spot to hold a two 
days 5 meeting upon ? He readily gave his con- 
sent, and furnished me with boards for seats. I 
called upon a man by the name of Gilbert Corn- 
well, who had no religion, for assistance. He 
sent his boy and team, and drew the boards to 
the ground. I sent word to a class leader some 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 125 

* distance, to send me six men with their axes, for 
the purpose of preparing the ground and seats. 
We shortly had accommodation for five hundred 
people. I sent my colleague to Durham, to fill 
the place of Dr. Barrett, and for him to come 
and preach at the grove, for in all my extraordi- 
nary undertakings the doctor was my right-hand 
man. In general, what the doctor did was 
au fait The doctor entertained the congrega- 
tion with a most splendid sermon. He gave the 
Presbyterians a pretty hard slap. 

Not long after, I had an invitation to come to 
Gilboa, to deliver them a lecture on the subject 
of building them a church. I inquired whether 
it was necessary ? They gave me a unanimous- 
vote in favor. I then inquired if they were 
able, and how many would give us their aid 
and influence? Here, too, I had general ap- 
probation. I appointed a committee to fix on the 
site, and estimate the value. When I came to 
that place again I appointed trustees ; they each 
one took a subscription paper, and shortly had 
the amount of nine hundred dollars signed. I 
then told the trustees if they would allow me I 
would get the timber, and have it hewn and 
drawn to the ground. A gentleman in the 
neighborhood, by the name of Striker, gave us 
the privilege of getting what timber we needed. 
I accordingly gave notice publicly in the differ- 
ent appointments around, that on such a day, 
at nine o'clock in the morning, we would wish 



126 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

all the people, saints and sinners, to meet us with 
their axes and dinner, on this piece of ground, 
for the purpose of aiding in getting out timber 
to build the temple of God. At the time ap- 
pointed the people came together prepared, like 
unto a flock of bees ; and after prayers they went 
to work as though every one was interested, and 
by night the timber was nearly all ready for 
drawing. They worked very promptly, and one 
day more brought the work to a consummation. 
Previous to this the Presbyterian minister had 
said, sneeringly : " The Methodists going to build 
a church ! They no more want a church than 
we want a gate to keep the Schohariekill river 
from running under the Bow bridge." Said I, 
" Credit him fifty dollars ; that's worth so much 
to us." He further said : " They have got the 
timber on the ground, but it will never go up." 
"Whereat I exclaimed : " Put him down another 
fifty dollars, for he has helped us to the extent of 
one hundred dollars at least." Perhaps this gen- 
tleman was of the same opinion with some others, 
whom, forty years ago, I had heard say : " Let 
the Methodists work, for in four years more there 
tvill be none of them in the country." The house 
went up, and is now finished, and stands on the 
ground given by the late John Striker, Esq., 
who also subscribed thirty dollars, and painted 
it at his own expense. His wife was at the time 
a Presbyterian, but is now a very efficient 
member of the Methodist Church. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 127 

Before the church was built, but while the 
timber was on the ground, some temporary seats 
were arranged, and Dr. Barrett, now of New- 
York, was sent for, who preached to about five 
hundred people. The text was*: " As for this 
sect, it is everywhere spoken against." The 
doctor, I thought, drew his cord a little too 
tight; but it, however, finally went off very 
well. 

The getting up of this house has been a won- 
der to community, inasmuch as there were only 
two Methodists connected with it who possessed 
any considerable property — one by the name of 
Stevens, the other by the name of Sage. But all 
the people seemed interested, as though it were 
a matter with which their interests were spe- 
cially identified. 

Though the society was small at this time, 
they have maintained their ground and dignity. 
Their number is now large and respectable. 
And as Methodism is expansive in its character 
and tendency, they have adorned Gilboa, about 
a mile and a half off, with another substantial 
and beautiful edifice. 

On another part of the same circuit, in the 
town of Blenheim, called the Backbone, there 
was a church got up in much the same manner 
as the former, which was inclosed and stood six 
years before itwas finished, when I was appointed 
on the same circuit again. The house had be- 
come so out of order and deranged, that but a 



128 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

very small congregation could be seated. I re- 
quested the brethren to prepare seats and boards, 
so that when I came again the congregation 
could be accomodated. They went at it like 
" men of function," and it was done. "We occu- 
pied it until cold weather came on. After preach- 
ing one day, with my handkerchief over my head, 
and cloak on, the congregation remained. I 
detained them with a view of taking a survey 
of the house, after which I said, " You have a 
very substantial frame here, and this house might 
with ease be made comfortable ; but, as it is, it 
will be necessary for us to abandon it. And it 
is certainly a disgrace to community and the 
town in which you live. If you do not do some- 
thing with it, I should'nt wonder if the Almighty 
should send thunder and lightning, and burn 
it up." 

Some short time after, I was requested to 
appoint trustees, as their charter had run out. 
After they were appointed, and a secretary, I 
said, " Now draw up a subscription to pay off 
the old debt, and finish the house." The principal 
man of the church put his name down with fifty 
dollars. There were thirteen men present ; they all 
put their names down, ranging from fifty dollars 
to five each. There was one man present who 
had not subscribed anything, whose name was 
Sheldon Peasley. He, upon the suggestion of 
the subject, frankly took the pen and signed 
fifty dollars. Thought I, that man will yet make 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 129 

something in the service of the Lord : he is now 
a local preacher. In consequence of these and 
other efforts, the church was soon fully repaired, 
and put in complete order for comfortable wor- 
ship. This matter did great honor to the people. 
Recently the people have greatly dishonored that 
house by making it a rendezvous for conclaves 
of anti-renters. The desire and prayer of the 
writer is, that law and order may soon be restored, 
and that the rising generation may yet become 
true Christians, and fill the seats of that church 
with dignity and decorum. 

A meeting house was erected the same year 
in the town of Stamford, This was left also in 
nearly the same predicament with the one above. 
But the people entered upon the project of finish- 
ing it off, neatly and decently, and they did so. 
When it was finished, there was a debt of some- 
thing more than one hundred dollars. I said to 
a brother, " How is this to be paid 2" He re- 
plied, " That no more could be expected from 
subscription. If it is not paid, I know that the 
Lord has money, and it will be forthcoming." 
Not long after this, he, his son, and son-in-law, 
canceled the whole debt. Let the name of 
John Olmstead be recorded in this veritable his- 
tory. In reference to the commencement of this 
house, I will just say a few words. After we 
had been worshiping, in a little dirty school- 
house, hardly fit for a pig-pen, and had returned 
home, I said to my brother Joseph, " Let us build 



130 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

a meeting-house here." " A meeting-house !" 
quoth he, " it can't be done." I thought it could. 
There were two sisters of the church at his house. 
Said I to them, "What do you say?" " It can be 
done," they replied. One said, " I'll give fifteen 
dollars, cash ;" the other, " HI give twenty dollars, 
and pay down." These sisters earned their money 
by their needles. After this I said to my brother, 
" Now what think you, Joseph ; I have here got 
thirty-five dollars ; what will you give ?" " In 
fact, I don't know but it '11 go ; I guess I must 
give fifty dollars." So here were raised eighty- 
five dollars on the spot. Let a man never say 
die, before he is dead; and, in matters of im- 
portance, let him always put his trust in the Lord ; 
for the earth is his, and the fullness thereof. 

A summary of the number of churches built 
has been given ; further particulars will, therefore, 
be unnecessary. 

It has been generally thought that camp meet- 
ings should be held at a particular time of the 
year, otherwise that they will not be very ge- 
nerally attended. On the seventeenth day of 
August, while traveling on Jefferson circuit, a 
camp meeting was appointed to be held in the 
town of Broome, now called Conesville. The 
presiding elder of the district was unavoidably 
prevented from being present; but, as a wise 
Providence ordered it, my brother, Heman Bangs, 
assisted me in the management of it. And, not- 
withstanding it occurred in the midst of harvest, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 181 

it was numerously and punctually attended. 
Many souls were awakened and converted, both 
at the meeting and after. I believe my brother 
and I had each a son converted. The son of 
my brother, who was converted, was the one that 
was afterward lost with that ill-fated vessel, 
the Home, on her voyage from New- York to 
Charleston. 

The sermons at the meeting were powerful, 
searching, and convincing; and, in saying this, 
I, of course, make no reference to myself. Great 
harmony and union prevailed throughout the 
whole. Among other reasons for this, was the 
fact that we invited all on the stand, indiscrimi- 
nately, all laborers in the Lord's vineyard; and 
there was none of the spirit of the great L and 
little you, about the proceeding. There was but 
little said in reference to order. I do not think, 
for myself, that the prosperity and order of a 
camp meeting are at all promoted by one man 
having the charge, to be always scolding at the 
people. Camp meetings are designed for spi- 
ritual improvement, and not as schools of eti- 
quette or scientific gyrations. Inasmuch as all 
characters and classes collect at such places, it 
cannot be considered either a school-room or 
domestic circle ; and, therefore, everything that can 
be borne, should be borne. All outrageous vio- 
lations of law or decorum should, of course, be 
noticed and reprehended ; but minor irregularities 
are best passed over in silence. 



132 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

In connection with this meeting, I will just 
mention three particulars. While we were ear- 
nestly engaged in prayer meeting in front of the 
stand one evening, a stone was projected into our 
midst, supposed to have been airried at myself. 
It just passed my head, struck the stand, fell upon 
a woman, and knocked her down. I imme- 
diately stepped upon the stand, and offered fifty 
dollars reward to any person that would appre- 
hend the villain who threw it. But rogues gene- 
rally have rogues to protect them ; and hence, 
probably, he was not detected. 

A certain Mr. J. Striker was so far convinced 
of the utility of camp meetings and of his own 
condition, that he observed, if we had another 
meeting, he would build a house, and give his 
attention through the whole ; but I believe before 
he could have this privilege he was removed to 
another world. 

A lad, fourteen years old, was at this meeting 
soundly converted. On returning home, some 
people, with sneers, derided him — said, he didn't 
know enough to be a Christian, and that his 
religion was only camp meeting religion. Not 
long after he was thrown from a horse, and mor- 
tally wounded. He was the darling of the 
family. The family surrounded him — wept over 
him in his latest moments. Said he, " Weep not 
for me ; I am going to Jesus. What should I 
do now, if I had not religion ? O ! how glad 
I am I went to the camp meeting !" Five of 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. OF JOHN BANGS. 133 

my own children, and one daughter-in-law, were 
converted at camp meeting. May the power, 
spirit, and practice of camp meetings ever be 
kept up among us as a people ! In order that 
this may be so, they should be observed in their 
native simplicity. The Lord was once dis- 
pleased, and would not allow an altar to be made 
of hewn -stone. 

On this circuit we took up a new appoint- 
ment at Windham, in an old school-house, at the 
foot of the mountain, which is now demolished. 
My colleague had been at this place, and had 
broken the ground ; and as our time was pretty 
much all taken up on our regular appointments, 
we had to appropriate Saturday evenings to this. 
I believe the second time that I came to this place, 
one dark, unpleasant night, with not as much 
faith as I ought to have had, yet I felt to put 
my trust in the Lord ; for on all other sources 
everything appeared dark and discouraging. I 
found the house crowded to overflowing. Like 
David, I gathered a few small stones from the 
brook with humble prayer. As I had no par- 
ticular Goliah to slay, I made my onslaught at 
random, which proved mighty only through God. 
My text was, " Be ye doers of the word, and not 
hearers only, deceiving your own selves." I 
presented the duties that God's word required, 
and what was necessary in order to perform it; 
and, on the contrary, the awful consequences 
of being deceived. The performance, in my 



134 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

opinion, was rather small, and I thought that the 
effect would be corresponding ; but, to my great 
amazement as well as encouragement, when the 
inquiry was made, " Who felt the need of reli- 
gion, and desired an interest in the prayers of 
God's people ?" about forty arose. When the 
meeting closed, there were eight who testified to 
the pardoning mercy of God. Squire Reynolds, 
who was present, had the people formed into a 
hollow square, and desired those who had found 
religion to present themselves ; among the num- 
ber were three of his children. There was a 
family in the congregation, the heads of which 
had formerly belonged to the people called 
Shaking' Quakers. This man, at that time, was 
aged, and somewhat given to intemperance. The 
light and truth of the gospel so convinced his 
judgment, illuminated his understanding, and 
affected his heart, that he turned to the Lord with 
faith and true repentance, and found pardon, 
with a considerable part of his family, and joined 
the church. This old gentleman continued in 
the church to the fall of 1845, when, at about 
ninety-five years of age, he died in peace. There 
was another man in that section, by the name 
of Perez Steele, who was also converted, and 
whose wife had long stood a solid pillar in the 
church. With his aid, and a few other substan- 
tial and faithful brethren, (for the strength of the 
society as to property is small,) they have re- 
cently built a fine church. The site was pre- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 13S 

sented by a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
who ought to have been a Methodist; for, ac- 
cording to his own statement, at a mourners' 
meeting at Jacob Smalley's the power of God 
was so upon him that he trembled so that he 
caused the looking-glass to shake. At that meet- 
ing the power of God was almost visibly 
displayed. 

In the same section of country there were cele- 
brated a love-feast and sacramental occasion, in 
a church called the Union Church. I will men- 
tion a circumstance at this place, to show the 
power of early vows made and performed by 
parents to children. A young lady requested 
the permission of her father to attend a ball. The 
father took the daughter into a room by them- 
selves. He said to her, "When you was a child, 
I had you baptized in the name of the Holy 
Trinity. I there promised to teach you the ways 
of the Lord, and to bring you up in his fear. I 
have striven to do so, prayed for you, and now 
you are of age to act for yourself. Will you 
now go to a ball, and wound the feelings of 
your father ?" With this affectionate appeal, the 
daughter's heart gave way ; she wept and said, 
" No ; I will never wound the feelings of my 
father. I will not go." Shortly after, I think in 
the love-feast, inquiry was made as to who needed 
religion in this congregation. This young lady 
was the first to raise her hand publicly, and 
soon after became a subject of converting grace. 



136 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Though she joined the Presbyterian Church, she 
promised me that she would always dress in 
Methodist style. O that Methodists would al- 
ways dress like themselves ! 

I have no great opinion of union meeting- 
houses ; for, while I was striving to enforce the 
rules of Discipline at love-feast, there was an 
old heathen of a rum-seller who threw open the 
door, and would not allow it to be shut. But the 
Lord was there, and I believe considerable good 
was done. 

The work of God on this circuit was very 
prosperous, both in respect to its spiritual and 
temporal aspects. The increase amounted to the 
number of eight hundred and forty-two. At the 
expiration of the two years, in consequence of the 
extensive traveling, severe and unwearied labor, 
which I underwent, with a respite of only four 
days a month, which I appropriated to visiting 
my family, to visit whom I had to travel eighteen 
miles, I found my constitution very much im- 
paired and broken down — -more so than was 
produced by any other labor of my life. 

There were two things which, in my estima- 
tion, were the cause of this extensive reformation 
among the people of Jefferson circuit. I will 
not say of others, (for of this I pretend not to 
judge,) whether all the particular requirements 
of the Discipline were attended to or not ; but as 
it respects myself, in the fear of my Master, who 
had employed me in his service, I was deter- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 137 

mined, from a conscious sense of my duty, to 
make the word of God and the Discipline of 
the church my invariable rule of conduct. 

In reference to the word of God, I strove to 
observe that one particular : " Be temperate in 
all things." In general, I never allowed myself 
to sleep over seven hours in twenty-four, and I 
was careful to have the testimony clear in the 
view of all men, that I did not fail in visiting the 
sick, the widow and the fatherless, in their af- 
fliction, and to keep my garments unspotted from 
the world. 

"With regard to the Discipline, my brethren 
who have been ordained know its requirements, 
and no man can keep the ordination vows therein 
contained, without strictly attending to every 
part. One particular rule I found to have great 
influence on the people ; that is, " To read the 
rules of the society, with the aid of the other 
preachers, once a year in every congregation, 
and once a quarter in every society." My plan 
was to do this to the public congregation the first 
time around my circuit; and would it not be 
well if this course were made obligatory on every 
preacher ? 

And I was careful to insist upon inward and 
outward holiness, according to the answer of 
the second question in Sec. 12, " The most ef- 
fectual way of preaching Christ is, to preach him 
in all his offices, and to declare his law, as well 
as his gospel, both to believers and unbelievers. 



138 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Let us strongly and closely insist upon inward 
and outward holiness in all its branches." 

That this plan of preaching holiness must 
necessarily be attended with success, let the fol- 
lowing extract of a letter, which I take from the 
Christian Advocate and Journal, attest. It is 
from the Rev. Mr. Caughey, a member of the 
Troy Conference, at the time of writing in Eng- 
land. The extract will speak foritself : — " I rejoice 
to tell you that the Lord is still with me in power. 
I spent from June till the beginning of October in 
the ancient city of York ; and preached at the 
rate of six times a week, and nearly two thousand 
souls were saved ; # thirteen hundred of these 
were justified freely through the blood of Jesus, 
the rest were cases of entire sanctification ; five 
hundred had been members of the Methodist 
Church, (in name,) and of other churches — and 
about eight hundred from the world, and the rest 
belonging to other circuits adjacent. So though 
York received so large a share in the blessed 
work of revival; York circuit reported but four 
hundred increase. I visited Chesterfield, near 
Sheffield, next; and, during the first two. weeks 
in October, five hundred were saved. In the be- 
ginning of last month, I spent one week in Don- 

* ". The phraseology of brother Caughey is somewhat sin- 
gular; yet perhaps not more so in our day, than that of Mr. 
Charles Wesley in his day : — 

' Saved to the utmost, saved below, 
And perfectly like thee !' " 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 139 

caster, fifteen miles from Chesterfield ; and over 
four hundred were saved, of which three hun- 
dred were conversions ; the rest cases of sancti- 
fication. One of the nights of that week will 
not soon be forgotten ; it was beyond anything 
I have ever beheld. My text was, (Acts xv, 9,) 
' And put no difference between us and them, 
purifying their hearts by faith :' about one hun- 
dred and fifty-five were saved on that occasion. 
On Saturday last I arrived in this place, (Mac- 
clesfield,) and preached twice yesterday, and 
about one hundred and six w T ere saved. So 
many gave their names as trophies of the grace 
of God. I have seen several hundreds saved 
since I wrote to you in May last. Sheffield re- 
turned an increase to last conference of more 
than one thousand members, and four or five 
hundred on trial, as the result of the revival in 
that city. O how good the Lord is to unworthy 
me ! — never shall I be able sufficiently to praise 
him. I wonder, I adore, I admire, his love to 
the children of men ! All glory be to God most 
high!" 



140 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Delaware circuit — Number of accessions — Long and tedious 
routes — Case of the unconverted judge — The dying woman — 
Another incident — Conversion of an infidel — Traveling and 
hospitable entertainment — Domestic difficulties — Unpleasant 
feelings — The lady in New- York — Good times — Firm people — 
Meeting — Case of the old lady — Woman converted in a family 
prayer meeting — -Camp meeting — Order and harmony — Per- 
sons sanctified — A circumstance — Narration of a serious calamity 
and sad catastrophe — Several sketches. 

In 1823 I was stationed on Delaware circuit. 
This circuit comprised nearly the whole of Dela- 
ware county, extending on both sides of both 
branches of Delaware river, down as low as the 
long flats, on the east, or to the entering in of the 
Beaverkill. 

The number of additions to the church during 
the preceding four years, some of the events of 
which have been narrated, was thirteen hundred 
and eighty. On my subsequent stations and 
circuits, the exact and specific numbers of in- 
crease to each cannot be given, in consequence 
of not having the Minutes at hand to which to 
refer. But though the numbers were not so 
large as on the former circuits, they bore a pro- 
portionate ratio to them. 

I will now proceed to a narration of the suc- 
ceeding events and circumstances of my life, 
commencing with Delaware circuit. 

On this circuit there were some yery long and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 141 

tedious routes, I being often obliged to ford the 
Delaware river. Once, in particular, my wagon 
came apart in the river. But the magnitude of 
the work had such a bearing upon my mind 
that difficulties were soon forgotten, and left 
behind, only to be revived in this Auto-biogra- 
phy, as reminiscences pleasant and instructive 
to reflect upon. I will here mention a few inci- 
dents, in detail, connected with this circuit. 

The subject of the following narrative was an 
unconverted judge who was sick, apparently 
nigh unto death. By the request of a friend, I 
called to see him. Previous to my call there had 
been another minister, who when leaving said, 
" I have no hope for you, judge ; neither for soul 
nor body." The judge was of course offended, 
and therefore determined not to allow any stranger 
to enter his room. However, after I had been 
in the house a short time, I was invited into his 
room. Soon after I entered, the judge beckoned 
me to him. I made some remark touching his 
sickness, and near approach to death ; and asked 
him how he felt in view of another state of ex- 
istence. He replied that his mind was in a state 
of perfect peace, and that he wished to keep it 
so. I thence concluded that he wished me to 
say no more to him on that topic. Nevertheless, 
in a few moments he requested me to come to 
him again, and remarked, " Perhaps you may 
think I answered you abruptly." I said, " We 
Christians think that in order that a man may be 



142 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

at peace, and feel prepared to die, it is necessary 
that he should have experienced a change of 
heart, and the pardon of his sins." With great 
earnestness he asked, " How shall we come at it ?" 
I then concluded that it was my duty briefly to 
state to him the design and effect of the atone- 
ment of Christ. 1st. In answering the demands 
of the law, which was violated by Adam, and 
which violation involved all his posterity in 
condemnation ; and by virtue of Christ's righte- 
ousness all Adam's posterity were restored to a 
state of "justification of life :" and, consequently, 
that all infant children would be saved. " But," 
I also said, " you and I have sinned willfully and 
egregiously against God ; and, on our part, as 
sinners, there is no other way but to humbly 
repent before God, and believe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, for pardon and salvation." The judge, 
with his eye fixedly upon me, said, " That looks 
reasonable." I answered, " Yes, it is right, and 
there is no other way." Directly he said, " "Will 
you pray with us before you go ?" and appeared 
to be very much affected. The family all came 
in. I told the judge that he must pray for him- 
self. I knelt down and besought God in his 
behalf, he accompanying me with great serious- 
ness and fervor. When I arose, I said, " Judge, 
believe that God will bless you now." He said, 
" O ! can it be possible that God will have mercy 
upon such a sinner as I am ?" I said, " Yes ; 
for Christ came to save sinners*" 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 143 

The judge did not die ; but from that time 
began slowly to recover. After a lapse of time 
I was invited to preach at his house. While 
conversing with him, he voluntarily promised, 
that if he could not do any good, he would try 
and do no more evil. But repentance and the 
accompanying fruits have not been seen. We 
leave him to his own Master to stand or fall. 

Here, in view of approaching death, was re- 
pentance — recovery— and the reformation one 
would have been led to expect, under the circum- 
stances, did not appear. 

The desire and prayer of the writer are, that if 
this notice reaches the judge's eye, it may lead 
him to the same God that he prayed to upon his 
seeming death -bed. 

I do not mean to say that there is no faitH 
at all to be placed on death-bed repentance, for 
facts prove the contrary. A person surviving 
may show forth the fruits of holiness, etc., and 
I believe it is the duty of every minister, when 
called upon, to visit unconverted persons upon 
beds of sickness; to go in the full assurance 
of faith, otherwise they may be the means of 
damning a soul. 

" The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : 
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt 
not despise." Psa. li, 17. Take courage, then, 
despairing sinner, and be assured that He who 
produces this state of mind in thee will, not de- 
spise the sacrifice ; but will sooner or later cause 



144 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

thy heart to rejoice. Allow me here to state a 
fact that will illustrate the preceding words : — 
During my ministry a man called at my house, 
to have me go and see his wife. I did not go 
upon the first call, as the message was not very 
distinct, having been left during my absence from 
home. In eight days after I received a second 
request. I did not go ; and I here record my 
fault in not going immediately, hoping it may be 
beneficial to others, and excite to a more prompt 
attention to their duty in this regard. In eight 
days, again, while engaged at home, an impres- 
sion came upon my mind as though some one had 
spoken to me, " Go and see that woman." I 
immediately had my horse brought, and went 
to the place, a distance of about six miles ; found 
the woman near death, so far reduced that she 
could speak but a few words — her mother-in-law 
acting as spokesman. I learned that she had 
formerly had deep impressions with regard to 
religion, under Methodist ministration, and also 
from the counsels of a pious mother. I was led 
to believe that she had, during her previous life, 
at some time experienced the blessing of justifi- 
cation ; but she had never made any confession 
of it ; and at this time her greatest trouble was 
a sense of her native depravity. She would ex- 
claim, apparently in the greatest agony of mind, 
" O the vileness of my heart!" " O," said she, 
" must I die, and go to hell ; to dwell with all 
the vile and wicked characters of the earth?" 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 145 

Afterward, mentioning one man who had denied 
the Bible, and died an infidel, she spoke, in tones 
expressive of the greatest horror, of the idea of 
dwelling with such characters for ever. " My 
case is gone," said she, and I could adduce no 
promise from the Bible that would afford her any 
comfort. We prayed for her, seemingly with- 
out any effect. After a short time I prepared to 
leave, and as I was passing toward the door, her 
look manifested great anxiety, and spoke in lan- 
guage more plainly than words could have done. 
Consequently I turned again to her and said, 
" I will present one case more." One trouble of 
her mind was, that she ought to have served God, 
but had not done so. I then presented to her 
mind the thief on the cross. "While doing this, 
I saw very plainly that her countenance bright- 
ened up, probably with faith and hope. I then 
said, " Let us pray once more for this poor dying 
sinner." I knelt at the foot of her bed, and as I 
prayed she also prayed. The substance of her 
prayer, as near as I can recollect, was, " Have 
mercy upon me, Lord Jesus, a poor dying sinner." 
Directly she clapped her hands and said, " Pray 
on ; He has come, he has come." I could pray 
no more. I had asked her before, " Do you love 
God ?" She answered, " I dare not say so." 
In a dying position, and near the time of her 
exit, I asked her, " Do you now love God ?" 
she nodded assent. I then said, " Are you afraid 
to die ?" She shook her head negatively, and in 
7 



146 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

a short time, with a smile upon her countenance, 
and, apparently, in great peace, took her de- 
parture. 

Glory to God, my Redeemer! I can never 
reflect upon the circumstances connected with 
this occasion, but my heart is filled with joy. 
The house, at the time, seemed filled with the 
glory of the divine presence ; and I have no doubt 
that God manifested himself to the subject of this 
notice, and filled her with the fullness of God. 
This lady was Mrs. Jane Fuller, of Davenport, 
Delaware county, New- York. 

I have reason to fear that many precious souls, 
in consequence of a lack of strict attention on 
the part of their leaders, are erroneously led to 
believe themselves safe, when no spiritual change 
has taken place in their hearts. It is the duty, 
therefore, of every pastor and leader to inquire 
with rigid minuteness in regard to the spiritual 
condition of all members before they are received 
into full connection. This should always be 
considered an imperative duty ; for who can with 
calmness and composure reflect upon the con- 
sequences of its neglect? The following case 
shows the advantage of attending to this duty : — 

"While making a tour of Delaware circuit, be- 
ing in Middletown, after preaching and holding 
class meeting, there was a certain sister presented 
by her leader for full membership. I inquired 
if she had been baptized; further, if she was 
satisfied of her adoption into the family of God, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 147 

by regeneration and sanctification ? She replied 
that she had not the evidence of them. I ob* 
served, that she could not be admitted to the 
church ; but I would advise her to continue on 
trial for four weeks ; and pray earnestly that God 
would endue her with such qualifications, and 
communicate to her convincing and satisfactory 
evidence that she had become a child of God, 
She acceded to the suggestion, and in four 
weeks was present again, examined, and was 
able to answer, " I have good news to tell you ;" 
and with trembling limbs and voice, said, " I 
have followed your advice, and the happy result 
is, that I have found the pearl of great price, and 
my soul is now happy in God's love, and I 
knoiv it" She was upon this testimony una- 
nimously admitted to full membership. Not 
long after, she was attacked with a hectic fever, 
which terminated her mortal career. While 
taking leave of her dear companion and chil- 
dren she was enabled to rejoice in that "perfect 
love " which casteth out that fear that hath " tor- 
ment." Thank God. Amen. 

Now if we had passed over this case carelessly, 
and without precision, the probability is, that this 
soul would not have been fully prepared to take 
its flight to the unseen world in peace. 

The following is the case of a man trained 
up in infidelity, denying religion and the Bible, 
whose little daughter, eleven years old, on a bed 
of sickness, when near death, was truly converted 



148 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

to the Lord. She called her eldest sister, and held 
her by the hand till she promised to pray twice 
a day, as long as she lived; then called her 
father, her hard-hearted father, and said : " Dear 
father, I am about to die, to leave you all, and 
now I want you to promise me, that you will 
do your duty to the family which are left, and 
pray with them daily." The father in tears, with 
a feeling heart, tried to satisfy his daughter. She 
soon died very happy in the Lord. Mysterious 
are the ways of God. Some time after I was 
invited to take dinner with this gentleman. Our 
friends said I had better stay away, as they ap- 
prehended he would treat me ill. I said, " I will 
venture." After dinner we had a conversation. 
At the close the major said, " I must acknow- 
ledge a few things." " Very well," said I. " 1st. 
I cannot see that your religion does you any 
harm." " No, sir, not at all," said I. " 2d. If your 
religion should be false and mine true, I cannot 
but see that you are as well off as I am ; but if 
yours is true and mine false, I cannot see wiiat 
I have to depend upon." " Very good, jnajor, 
this is good logic ; if you keep on you will pro- 
bably find the right way. You had better take 
the Christian Advocate and Journal." " What 
paper is that, sir ?" I informed him. He said, 
" Direct it to me." I did so. A few months 
after I left the circuit I had to pass through his 
neighborhood, and left an appointment to preach 
in the school-house. After preaching I gave the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 149 

privilege to any one to speak on the subject of 
religion. Who should rise but the major, in about 
the centre of the congregation. He said, " My 
neighbors, you will be somewhat surprised to see 
me rise here, knowing my former sentiments, 
I rise to declare to you that I now believe in the 
truth of the Christian religion, but have none. 
I ask the prayers of this whole congregation." 
Soon after this the major came out, publicly, a 
bright witness for Christ. I believe that his wife 
and whole family are gathered into the church. 
Twenty years, or more, have passed — the major 
has been faithful, and has held responsible sta- 
tions in the church, and has also been a bold 
defender of the truth. 

Miles and miles have I traveled on Delaware 
circuit without coming across a single human 
being, and not meeting with any signs of life, 
except, occasionally, a chip-squirrel. Some- 
times, in the night, to be sure, I would hear the 
screech of an owl .or cuckoo ; yet when I came 
across human society I was hospitably enter- 
tained. I found many good, friendly people ; 
and often, when nearly discouraged, their hospi- 
tality, kind treatment, and comforting words, 
caused me, like Paul when he saw the Three 
taverns, to take courage and gcron. 

At this time I experienced the greatest diffi- 
culty in supporting my family; there being 
then nine individuals pertaining to it, and my 
extensive traveling was attended with great ex- 



150 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

pense of wear and tear, through a mountainous 
country, over rough and stony roads, through 
swamps and briers, ripping carriages to pieces, 
and well nigh killing horses. The brethren, in- 
deed, had a proverbial expression among them, 
that " I had killed one man and two horses." 
And this aside from the burden of the support 
of so large a family. 

I was never allowed anything for house rent, 
except during two years, in all my itinerancy. 
No committee ever allowed me over seventy 
dollars for table expenses. Never did I receive 
the disciplinary allowance for any one year.. It 
will be perceived, therefore, that with all my in- 
come, there must have been a large expense over 
and above my income, to support this large 
family of boys, in the care of a mother whose 
unfavorable state of health precluded her bestow- 
ing upon them all requisite maternal attention. 
To show more conclusively the inadequacy of 
my allowance to maintain this family, I will just 
state, that, for the single item of shoes and boots, 
I have paid fifty dollars in one year. 

One thing has given me unpleasant feelings 
repeatedly ; that is, my deficiency in literature, 
and the impossibility, with my means, to afford 
it to my children. Yet, notwithstanding, God 
was pleased to call two of them to the high office 
of the ministry, one of whom is now in active 
service. 

From the small amount of property, which was 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 151 

estimated at about sixteen hundred dollars when 
I began to travel, in the course of about six 
years I was obliged to abstract from this sum 
about two hundred dollars a year to make my 
family comfortable. Perhaps if I had faith 
enough, I could realize that my heavenly Father 
would provide the means to refund it to me as 
I should need ; it having been exhausted while 
I was laboring in his vineyard. Some tokens 
to this end have already appeared, although in 
a mystery. I might mention circumstances, but 
I forbear, save of one. I can only say now, in 
reference to it, that it stands firm in my favor, on 

the part of a widowed sister, of C street, 

New- York. Thank the Lord. 

We had some good times, but no general or 
extensive revivals. Bezaleel Howe was my col- 
league on this circuit, who located his family 
in the parsonage house, near Aaron Gregory's 
dwelling. "When we closed up, we found, after 
settling with brother Gregory, that his account 
for various articles, such as groceries, horse keep- 
ing, &c, amounted to forty dollars. We inquired 
what part of this bill must be paid back ? He 
answered, " Not any." He inquired if I had a 
bag with me. I said, " No ; why ?" He answered, 
" I want to send your family a bag of buck- 
wheat." I asked him, if he had had a good 
crop this year? He replied, "Yes; and I want 
a good one next year." 

In addition to all this, we found that he had 



152 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

paid eight dollars, cash, for quarterage. With 
open doors, and a liberal supply to both preachers 
and people at quarterly meeting, and all other 
times, he never was lacking in a ready distribu- 
tion. This brother (who was suddenly killed in 
Illinois by the running away of his horses) and 
his family ought to be remembered by the church 
to the latest generation. 

Delaware was long the name of that circuit, 
and it ought to have been continued in the his- 
tory of the church, because it was so named in 
the commencement of Methodism in that region 
of country, and because it was the name of the 
county in which it was situated; and further, 
because the two great branches of the Delaware 
river had their source and ran through it, forming 
their junction in the lower part of it, which part 
was called Shehakin. 

On what was then called Delaware circuit, 
there was as firm, well-established, and as good 
a people, as could be found in any part of the 
world. Here I will mention a few particulars 
of more recent occurrence. At Bloomville, there 
resides now a family that ought to be highly 
esteemed on account of their great liberality and 
hospitality to all the needy, especially to the 
ministers of the gospel. The united head of this 
family I received into the church, and baptized 
in the early days of my ministry. Had the father 
gone on to the high degree of perfection which 
was his privilege, he would have saved his dear 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 153 

family much anxiety and trouble, We should 
stand fast in the liberty ; and in • order that we 
may, and not be entangled again with the yoke 
of bondage, we should invariably grow in grace. 
Character can only be retrieved by forsaking the 
evil, and perseveringly pursuing the good. 

More recently still, I commenced a meeting in 
the church in that place at eleven in the morning ; 
preached, arid held class meeting, at which there 
were five persons forward for prayers, one of 
them being a lady more than seventy years old, 
who continued at the altar, weeping and praying, 
until there were few of the congregation remain- 
ing. I said, " If all the rest leave, I will not leave, 
as long as this penitent continues to cry for 
mercy." An old disciple, about the same age, 
who could pray in the Holy Ghost, remained by 
her side. About four o'clock in the evening her 
burden was removed, her soul was filled with 
light, with joy, with love, and peace. It will be 
seen that if rules had been observed, according to 
the construction of some brethren, this sister 
would have been obliged to leave, and in con- 
sequence not have obtained the blessing. I am 
not in favor of your " nine o'clock" men ; might 
it not have been a similar case that St. Paul had 
on hand when he continued his meeting to mid- 
night ? No law, but the law of propriety, is to 
be observed in such cases as this. I now par- 
took of a little refreshment, and this comprises 

about all that I have generally had for my labor. 

7# 



154 ATJTO-BIOGRAFHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

I had then twelve miles to ride to reach my 
home ; rough were the roads 7 and cold the night. 
When I had accomplished about one-half the 
journey, and was passing a friend's house, he 
very kindly invited me to put up with him that 
night. I told him I should go home. Said he r 
" No, sir j you can't go home to-night." By this - 
time he had part of my harness off from my 
horse. " Go in, go in, sir/' said he, " I'll take 
care of your horse." " Well," said I, " if you are 
determined to be pertinacious, I shall have to 
stop." I found at the house the man, his wife, 
a young lady, a grandfather and grandmother of 
the man. The woman had an infant in her 
arms. We conversed on the subject of Chris- 
tianity up to eight or nine o'clock, when I pro- 
posed having a family prayer meeting. This 
course, by the way, I will just say, has been 
rendered a great blessing in my travels. The 
man observed to me, that he had been a member 
of the church a number of years, but that his 
wife was no professor. She had been brought 
up under the poisonous influence of close-com- 
munion Baptists. She was naturally a very 
smart woman ; and, upon inquiry, she said she 
had no objection to religion, but wished she had 
it. In the prayer meeting the man prayed very 
earnestly and affectionately in behalf of his wife. 
When we arose, I noticed that the woman was 
very much affected. I said, " Madam, if you 
feel the need of religion, and wish us to continue 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 155 

to pray for you, you will evince it by kneeling ; 
it is a matter upon which you must act per- 
sonally; perhaps you will never have a better 
opportunity." After a moment's pause, she fell 
upon her knees. We all joined in prayer for 
her. Four of us prayed twice each. She prayed 
constantly for herself, confessing and bewailing 
her exceeding sinfulness. She told us, during 
this exercise, that she had been taught to believe 
the acquiring religion was a long, progressive 
process, and that the power among the Methodists 
was all a delusion. I said, " Madam, in both 
of these you are mistaken; if it were man's 
work, it would be long ; but God's work is done 
instantaneously. There is a vast difference as 
to time in our seeking religion and GodJs work. 
He that believeth shall be saved. As to the 
power among the Methodists, you will know 
more about it when you feel it." Part of the 
time we were upon seats, but she continued on 
her knees. 

After some considerable time I found she 
began to experience some comfort to her mind. 
Said I, " If the Lord* Jesus were here to-night, 
and should say to you as he said to Simon, 
i Lovest thou me ?' what would you say ?" " I 
would say, Yea, Lord." I then said, "You had 
better take your seat," which she did, and took 
her child in her arms. She continued to be very 
much agitated. Some one took her child. She 
immediately lost all physical strength, and re- 



156 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

mained nearly without motion for the space of 
three quarters of an hour, when she began to 
revive, and clapped her hands, and said, " Glory !" 
in a subdued tone of voice. Directly she clapped 
her hands with a great deal of vehemence, and 
in a louder voice cried, " Glory to God ! my sins 
are all forgiven ! I would not be as I was this 
morning for all this world." "We all praised the 
Lord, and gave thanks in her behalf, in which 
she joined, manifesting great happiness. 

I did not think that we had been employed 
long, for I took but little note about the time, but 
the fire had gone out. When it was reignited, 
and some tea and refreshment prepared, and we 
had sat down, the cocks were crowing. I re- 
cord this incident of my life with great pleasure, 
when I consider the condescension of God in 
making use of so feeble an instrument to accom- 
plish any part of his work. 

An event, in connection with this woman, goes 
to show the power of the gospel over the preju- 
dice of education. Though she had been trained 
up to believe that no other form of baptism was 
correct than that performed by immersion — ac- 
cording to this notion, none but those who have 
been immersed would have a right to partake 
of the sacrament, and on this ground "close 
communion" is established — I say, though this 
was the case, the next sabbath this woman joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church upon her own 
choice, and was baptized by sprinkling. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 157 

While traveling Delaware circuit, there was a 
camp meeting held, on which there had been 
held but one before, which was attended with 
great good. Late in the fall of that year my 
mind was very much drawn out for the pros- 
perity of Zion and the salvation of souls. I 
finally made up my mind that it was best to hold 
a second camp meeting. And as I did not like 
to appoint it on my own responsibility, I made 
a journey to Newburg, for the purpose of con- 
sulting my presiding elder, the Rev. Eben Smith, 
on the subject; and, after along debate, he gave 
his consent, in these words : " Go along, John, 
and appoint your meeting." We could not fix 
on any suitable time before the twenty-seventh 
of September. The presiding elder came on the 
night previous, which was very cold, and the 
morning of the meeting was frosty, in addition 
to many other discouragements ; but I had strong 
reasons to believe that the appointment of that 
meeting was by the order of Almighty God, and 
that he would prepare the way and superintend 
himself. By the time that the meeting was to 
commence, there was a material change in the 
weather for the better. The air was calm and 
warm as summer. The people came on like 
flocks of bees. One man, in particular, came a 
hundred miles for the purpose of obtaining sal- 
vation, and was not disappointed. 

This meeting was conducted with great order 
and harmony. One circumstance, with many 



158 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

others, is worthy of notice : — A sister, the wife 
of Nathan Williams, Esq., from Long Flats, town 
of Hancock, being present, who was only a babe 
that had progressed no further than to obtain the 
blessing of justification, became very uneasy and 
very much tried in her mind; so much. so, that 
she determined she must leave the ground and 
go home. While she was in this state of per- 
plexity and unhappiness, my dear wife, who is 
now gone to heaven, with whom she had formed 
some acquaintance, said to her, " Let us go to 
the prayer circle, and see if there is not a blessing 
for us." They had been but a few moments in 
the exercise, when the Holy Ghost came down 
upon her, and the operation of his sanctifying 
influence was so powerful, that she fell to the 
ground, and shortly shouted forth the praises of 
God, being filled with that " perfect love " that 
casteth out fear. After this gracious internal 
work, she no longer had a disposition to leave, 
but would have been willing, probably, to 
spend her life on the ground. Had she been 
contented to remain in her former state of 
simple justification, and had all the ministers 
and congregation been in a like state of mind, 
the best enjoyments that we could have had 
would have been mixed with doubts, fears, and 
darkness. We should have been little better 
to the world than a company of poor sinners, 
and the effect would have been corresponding. 
Now, we see how vitally important it is for 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 150 

the conversion of the world, or of one sinner, 
and the true happiness and prosperity of the 
church, that all its ministers and all its members 
be wholly and entirely sanctified. At this meet- 
ing there were many such, and, as the result, about 
one hundred souls were hopefully converted to 
God. O, that the time may speedily come, 
when God's universal church shall be of this 
character ! 

In connection with this meeting I will men- 
tion the following circumstance : — While travel- 
ing on Sharon circuit, there was a gentleman 
and lady, both of whom had formerly been in 
the church, but who were now in a backslidden 
state ; they said one to the other, " Let us go to 
a Methodist meeting once more." Accordingly 
they came in just as I was commencing. My 
text was, " I will arise, and go to my Father" 
The word had effect. They both tarried at the 
class meeting. The woman appeared to be very 
much affected. I believe they were both very 
sincere. When they were returning home, the 
woman said to her husband, " Let us set out and 
serve the Lord." They agreed to do so. 

Shortly after, I was invited to dine at their 
house. The man, his wife, son-in-law, and 
daughter, composed the family. All but the 
daughter were soon after converted. 

If I am not mistaken, I said to this lady, " If 
you will bring your daughter to the camp meet- 
ing the Lord will convert her soul." During the 



160 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

first prayer meeting on the ground, three of this 
family arrived. " Well," said the mother, " bro- 
ther Bangs, you said if I brought my daughter 
to this meeting, that God would convert her soul, 
and I firmly believed what you said ; and here 
she is." 

The daughter at once repaired to the prayer 
meeting, where she experienced religion, and has 
ever since remained in the church. 

"When I was about to leave the circuit where 
this family lived, I found this sister shedding 
tears. I said, " Sister, I have always thought 
when I saw people crying when ministers went 
off, that they would soon backslide." " Well," 
said she, " I am not going to backslide," (and 
truly she has not backslidden,) " but she wished 
she had ten dollars to give me." " Never mind 
your money," said I, " but be faithful to God." 
She told me that for every time I came and 
preached at that place she would give me a dol- 
lar. And whether I went there for the sake of 
her dollar or not, I believe she has given me 
more than twenty. 

Notwithstanding all the love and friendship 
that subsisted between this family and myself, 
their charity suffered a slight lapse, in conse- 
quence of a difference of views between us, 
touching female preaching; especially in re- 
ference to Mrs. Thompson, a woman who was 
at that time carrying away the unwary and fickle, 
as a mighty water carries flood-wood, by her 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 161 

unwarrantable rhapsodies. And as the flood- 
wood settles down upon the subsidence of the 
waters, so the people have settled into a state of 
quietude and calm reflection under the ministra- 
tions of a regular order of men called and sent 
of God. 

But I can say, from a conscious feeling, that 
my love, friendship, and prayers have been steady 
in reference to this dear family. 

At the same camp ground above mentioned, 
where there was another meeting, at a subse- 
quent time, held under the superintendence of 
the Rev. Daniel Ostrander, the following ca- 
lamity befell us. There were many opposers ; 
and all that strive to promote good, will suffer 
persecution. At this meeting there was a large 
four-horse wagon which came from the town of 
Windham, with a numerous company of men, 
who were more like savages and heathens than 
human beings. As it fell to my lot to take the 
principal charge of the order of the meeting, I was 
frequently called in places of danger. One even- 
ing, knowing that there was much improper 
conduct going on, I took a friend's horse, and 
rode out to examine this rude company; and 
with regard to this particular I would wish to 
say, that my proceeding might have been con- 
sidered as presumptuous, and I myself would 
not wish to justify the course, for instead of go- 
ing alone, I ought to have had two or three other 
brethren with me ; but it so happened that I went 



162 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

singly. I rode from the camp ground down the 
road to a certain barn, where there was a huck- 
ster's shop, of which I made an observation, and 
turned about with a view to go back. This was 
the last that I can remember, until I was near the 
edge of the camp ground, with my arm through 
the bridle, leading my horse, with my hat-band 
wound round my fingers. Some of the brethren 
met me, and inquired what was the matter ; but 
I was in such a condition as not to be able to tell 
them. My overcoat was torn to the extent of the 
size of a man's hand, just above the blade of the 
arm, as though some one had violently grasped 
me there. The joint of one of my thumbs was 
badly injured. On one of my temples there was 
a considerable soreness. My ears, mouth, face, 
and clothes, were besmeared with dirt and mud. 

"When I started on this reconnoitre, as a pre- 
cautionary disguise, I took a friend's horse and 
hat. Some who have been made acquainted 
with the particulars of this affair have affected 
to blame me for so doing, but I am unable to 
say whether this had any agency in producing 
the denouement of the undertaking, or not. 

I was conducted to a tent where I spent the 
night. There were much solicitude and atten- 
tion manifested and bestowed upon me, as I after- 
ward learned, and the prayers of the church were 
constantly offered in my behalf through the night, 
especially by my worthy presiding elder. The 
first thing that I noticed, after this catastrophe, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 163 

was the language of my daughter, who had sat 
by me through the whole night ; and this lan- 
guage she had continued to repeat all night. 
About sunrise I heard her exclaiming, "Father! 
father!" From this time I began gradually to 
come to my senses. Dr. Barrett was present at 
the time ; Dr. White, from Jefferson, was also 
called. They could not fully decide whether it 
was a fit, or whether I had been knocked down 
by some ruffian. But the subject appears no 
longer in the dark. I have been informed by a 
man, who was one of that Ibmpany, who has 
since experienced religion, that he saw me 
knocked off my horse with a club. Thus the 
mystery was explained. 

I was removed from the ground to a dwelling 
house ; my wife was sent for, who was about 
nine miles from the place. I was not able to 
perform any further duty. I wish here to record 
the particular attention shown me, at this meet- 
ing, by a sister whose name was Adaline, who 
was the wife of the Rev. Rodman Lewis, then 
a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. While I was using my endeavors to 
break up this huckster business he was heard 
to speak in favor of it, inasmuch as the huckster 
was his brother-in-law; and he wished him 
to have the privilege of making some profit 
by it. 

From my observation of this business of huck- 
sters on camp grounds, the curse of God has 



164 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

fallen upon men who have been so engaged. 
Both of these men have fallen from the purity 
of Methodism; one of them into the awful infi- 
delity of Arianism, and the other into a state 
not much better. 

In reference to the catastrophe above narrated, 
I can safely say that I have never felt any other 
disposition than to pray for my enemies. I am 
credibly informed that the man who had the 
temerity to perpetrate such a villany upon me 
has gone into the presence of Him who will 
judge righteously, I will not make any re- 
flections upon poor, weak, and depraved human 
nature. Had not the men implicated been neg- 
lected in their early education, and had they 
not been corrupted by the awful practice of 
drinking spirituous liquors, they would never 
have been found in such malicious practices, 
and marked with such disgrace. Let all parents 
weigh this matter, and delay not in the perform- 
ance of their duty with reference to bringing up 
their children aright, before the tree is so grown 
that it cannot -be bent in any way for good. 

In consequence of the injury I received from 
the above maltreatment, my head was for a long 
time seriously affected, so much so, that, at times, 
my mind has been entirely absent. I know of 
once riding in my wagon, a distance of two 
miles, without observing things around, and 
without any knowledge whatever. I have fre- 
quently had my text and arrangements made for 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 165 

public worship, and when arriving there, have 
not been able to recall either ; so that I could 
not collect my ideas, nor offer a subject that 
would be satisfactory either to myself or the 
congregation. It was on this account that I 
applied for and obtained a supernumerary rela- 
tion to the conference. 

I will here subjoin a few sketches, disconnect- 
edly. One instance to show that the exercise 
of true religion will go to destroy the contracted 
and bigoted notion of close communion; The 
following incident will illustrate this point: — 
After preaching at a week-day appointment at 
a block school-house, near one of the branches 
of the Schoharie^ill river, as my custom was in 
those times to give people free toleration to ex- 
press their feelings in their own way, I did so 
on this occasion. After many had spoken with 
great freedom and feeling, a certain lady, that 
could not be well unnoticed, as she was deco- 
rated from head to foot with many needless 
ornaments, especially for a professor of religion, 
arose, gave a brief but brilliant relation of her 
former experience as a Christian, and of her 
enjoyment at the present meeting, among a 
people who are not by the Calvinistic Baptists 
considered orthodox. The correctness of her 
style, the purity of her language, flowing from a 
full soul, as wine from a vessel ; her expressions 
manifesting great warmth of love, and proceed- 
ing from a heart touched with holy fire, engaged 



166 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

« 

our attention. For a moment we lost sight of 
her needless artificials, and were enabled to ex- 
ercise that charity that hopes all things, and 
covers a multitude of foibles. 

When the meeting was ended, I approached 
this lady and said : — " Madam, what society 
do you belong to ?" " I belong to the close- 
communion Baptists," replied she, " but I declare 
to you I am open communion to-day." Had this 
woman continued in the same state of feeling 
and line of duty as on that day, she would have 
ever remained an open-communion Christian, 
as all Christians ought to be. 

I will here give another circumstance, the 
relation of which may be of some use to excite 
diligence, both as regards ministers and young 
converts : — In the year 1845, as I was passing 
on a missionary tour to the north, in the town 
of Warren, a beautiful grove, I noticed a pure 
stream of water. It immediately occurred to me 
that it would he a highly suitable place for a grove 
meeting. It seemed as though some unseen 
existence held converse with, and prompted me 
to have such a meeting held there, if I could pro- 
cure the approbation of the people. The people 
gave their approbation by preparing the ground 
and seats; and, accordingly, the appointment 
was made, to commence on Monday at eleven 
o'clock. The meeting continued up to Tuesday 
evening. I preached four or five sermons. The 
presiding elder was present, and preached one. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 167 

The result was, that some prejudiced, hard hearts, 
and some backsliders, were changed in their feel- 
ings and views, both Methodists and others. In 
closing up, those who needed religion, and those 
that had no religion, but a desire to seek it, 
were invited to a prayer meeting. The majority- 
attended. Some knelt down as penitents, earn- 
estly seeking pardon. A certain lady, the wife 
of a doctor from England, found the pearl of 
great price, and was made very happy in the 
freedom of the gospel. Twelve hours from this 
time, in her own family, she spoke to her hus- 
band on the subject of family prayer. He, as 
all husbands ought to do, gave his wife the pri- 
vilege to pray in the family. The Bible was 
read, and prayer was offered by this child, but 
twelve hours old, to Almighty God. Now, for 
the encouragement of young converts, I have 
been credibly informed that the doctor has been 
truly converted, and thus made an assistance to 
his wife in the way to heaven. Glory to God ! 
The following circumstance will show the 
great danger of delays, and the great necessity 
of timely and faithful warning. Will not the 
blood of many be required of shepherds, and 
dumb dogs that lie down and will not bark? 
When the shepherds become slothful and negli- 
gent, or leave their flocks, the wolf enters the 
.fold and produces havoc and destruction. And 
how will such shepherds be able to render a joy- 
ful account to the universal Shepherd at the last 



168 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

day ? It has always been the order of Providence 
that his people should be instructed and fed by 
others. " And Peter said, Lord, thou knowest 
that I love thee ; Jesus said, Feed my sheep." 
See Acts iii, from the eleventh verse to the end. 
It may therefore be seen that it is incumbent on 
every minister of the Lord Jesus Christ to be 
faithful and assiduous in the discharge of the 
duties pertaining to his calling. " Feed the flock 
of God which is among you, taking the over- 
sight thereof; not for filthy lucre, but of ready 
mind. Neither as being lords over God's herit- 
age, but being ensamples unto the flock. And 
when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall 
receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 
1 Pet. v, 23, 24. 

While making a pastoral visit to a family, by 
the name of Hartwell, a member of the family 
gave a short account of her early experience. 
She said, that when a child, about nine years 
old, at Summit Four Corners, she was awaken- 
ed, with many others, to a sense of her lost con- 
dition as a sinner, by the labors of my unworthy 
self. Her parents being Presbyterians, she was 
not permitted to join society, and, as she ad- 
vanced in years, by mingling with the company 
of the world, she lost her enjoyment. She was 
now a woman of family, and at this time in 
somewhat delicate circumstances. She talked 
freely to me on the necessity of the enjoyment of 
religion, but still seemed to think that she could 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 169 

not attend to it now. I said to her, " Madam, 
you may need religion before you are aware ;" 
and bade her an affectionate farewell, with pecu- 
liar feelings. I heard no more of this family 
until I was called, not long after, to attend the 
funeral of this woman. But we here see the 
long-suffering and goodness of God in her case, 
for in her latest hours she sought and found 
comfort to her troubled mind, and died in peace. 
While attending a protracted meeting, on 
Charlotte circuit, after preaching, I made it my 
rule to visit as far, and as many families, as was 
consistent with my other labors. As I was 
walking by a certain house, I noticed a person 
chopping wood in the yard. While looking, I 
had various thoughts suggested to my mind. 
Notwithstanding the man was a distressed look- 
ing character, with a superannuated chapeau over 
his countenance, and a black and dirty beard, 
and clothing that denoted either laziness or 
drunkenness, I made up my mind that, inasmuch 
as he was a man, though thus disguised, he 
was my brother, and that I would stop and see 
him. I saluted him with a " Good morning, 
sir. What may I call your name ?" He gave 
me his name. I said, " Now I feel more for you 
than I did while I was on the road ; I thought 
then you were my brother." I told him I knew 
his parents well, and had worshiped with them 
a great many times. I asked him if he had a 
family. He replied, that he had a wife and five 
8 



170 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

children. I further asked him if he was poor. 
" Very," said he. " Do you drink rum?" " O, 
yes, quite too much !" At this time, however, he 
appeared to be sober. " What are you going 
to do ?" He replied, " I can do nothing, it is 
too late for me." He told me he was thirty- 
two years of age. " Thirty-two, only !" exclaimed 
I, " you may be a gentleman yet." He looked 
me full in the face, and said, " Sir, do you think 
so ? What must I do ?" I said, " In the first 
place, sir, you must leave off drinking rum." 
Well, he did'nt know but he could do that. 
" What more ?" he inquired. I told him he must 
pray to God. This seemed to be a difficult 
thing for him. I said, " You can ask favors of 
your neighbors. Can you not say, God be mer- 
ciful to me, a sinner ?" He said, " I can pray 
that much." I told him that this was as good a 
prayer as a sinner could make. I bade him good 
by, observing that I should remember him in 
my prayers. By this interview there were new 
feelings awakened in my soul for the reformation 
of poor sinners, especially drunkards. Not long 
after I attended meeting in the church at that 
place, and, in examining the class, I found this 
friend in an honorable place, with the appearance 
of a gentleman and a Christian. I said, " Well, 
friend, what can you tell me to-day?" With 
obvious emotion he observed, " Thank God, I 
am happy. I prayed to Him, and he had mercy 
upon me, pardoned my sins, and I love him." 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 171 

With great humility he begged the prayers of 
God's people, that he might be faithful to the 
end. 

Might not many inebriates be thus reclaimed, 
if I myself and every minister would notice them 
by the wayside ? So follow the example of the 
Saviour. 



172 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 



CHAPTER V. 

Coeymans circuit — Removal of my family — Disagreeable 
communication — Revivals — Home Missionary Society — Col- 
lection of funds — The subject submitted to conference — Brother 
Harvey Brown appointed missionary — Brown useful — I return 
to Jefferson — Embarrassing circumstances — Remarks — Points 
of discipline — Camp meeting — Justification and sanctification — 
Good done at camp meeting — Reflections — Persecution — Shav- 
ing off the tail and mane of my horse — Ludicrous appearance — 
Durham circuit — Five o'clock meeting — A fact set forth — Con- 
tinue to labor — My horse sheared and wagon loaded with stones 
— Preach in a school-house — Camp meeting — Power and energy 
of preachers at camp meetings — I take a supernumerary rela- 
tion — Aggregate number of accessions — Poor health — Burning 
of my barn, etc. — Loss of property — Providence of God mys- 
terious — Barnes Baird — Prospect of usefulness — I go to New- 
York — My second marriage — Warren Journal — Children's 
meeting — Orphan boy — Labors in New- York — White Plains — 
Project for the amelioration of children. 

This was the first circuit on which I ever 
moved my family, and the only one. And on 
this circuit I experienced more afflictive and 
severe trials than I had before been called to en- 
counter, both from some of the people, and with 
reference to my own domestic concerns. But 
let them pass ; 

" For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite 
The man that mocks at it, and sets it light." 

I had one of the principal men of this circuit to 
say to me, that I did more hurt than I would ever 
do good. As to the truth or falsity of this assertion 

the people must judge. H— — J are the 

initials of this individual's name. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 173 

The extent of this circuit was, up and down 
the Hudson river, from Catskill to Bethlehem, 
over a reach of country averaging a width of 
nearly twenty miles. Notwithstanding all the 
discouragements and hardships, there were some 
revivals, particularly at Westerlo. Within the 
bounds of this circuit there was abundance of 
ground that might properly be called waste 
ground ; and, inasmuch as the regular appoint- 
ments on the circuit would not allow me to go 
out, I proposed to the official board of the cir- 
cuit to form a Home Missionary Society. The 
conditions of membership were to be these : — 
Any person paying two shillings down was to 
be a member — ten dollars a member for life. 
On the life-membership subscription I collected 
one hundred dollars, which were to remain a 
permanent fund, and the interest, only, to be 
appropriated for the benefit of the mission. 
From those who paid in twenty-five cents each, 
I collected two hundred dollars. This was done 
during the first year. 

When the subject was presented to conference, 
the Missionary Board paid no attention to it, 
because the money raised was not put into the 
general missionary fund. Brother Rice, my pre- 
siding elder, told me to go home and hire a 
missionary for myself. Accordingly, I com- 
menced inquiring for a suitable man. I tried 
to get Moses L. Pendel or Rodman Lewis, but 
failed in both. I was then eight miles from 



174 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Harvey Brown's, at Summit Four Corners. I 
arose in the morning early enough to be at 
Brown's house just as he came out from his bed. 
He saluted me cordially, and offered to take 
charge of my horse. I said, " No ; I am on the 
King's business, and it requires haste." I told 
him I wanted him to go to Coeymans circuit, 
and serve as a missionary for the Lord among 
the people. I have the cash in hand to satisfy 
you for your trouble. Said he, " If I can accom- 
plish two things, I'll go." "Well, then, take 
care of my horse, and I'll go in and take some 
breakfast with you." 

I left him — having this encouragement from 
him, that, if matters went favorably with him, 
he would be* at our quarterly meeting at the 
stone church. I believe that brother Brown at 
this time had no license as a preacher. 

This same brother Brown, previous to this, 
was at my house at Kortright, when my wife 
was so unwell that I could not attend my ap- 
pointment. Brown had not yet received license 
either to exhort or preach. I requested him, how- 
ever, to take my horse, and attend the appoint- 
ment, and preach from my text. He concluded 
to go, and preached from the following words : 
" Now abideth faith, hope, charity; these three, 
but the greatest of these is charity" And it was 
said that he performed the function well, and 
preached an excellent sermon. 

But to resume the mission. On the day of the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 175 

quarterly meeting no brother Brown appeared, 
until after the conference had been some time in 
session. The brethren generally did not agree 
with me in the choice of the missionary. They 
wished to employ Joseph Law, who was not 
present. Brother Brown, being a man like my- 
self, poor, did not look quite as sleek as some 
others. With reference to this I remarked, "You 
had better employ him ; he is somewhat like a 
singed cat, to be sure ; but he is better than he 
looks." 

They finally concluded to take him on trial for 
three months. He acceded to the matter, and 
commenced his labors. The next day brother 
Brown related his experience in love-feast, in 
doing which he alluded to his giving out the 
warrant for my apprehension (before noticed.) 
Before he closed there was great feeling both on 
his own part and that of the congregation. I 
asked brother Jolly what he thought of my boy. 
" Indeed," replied he, " he has got the root of the 
matter in him." 

He continued on the mission the year out, 
and then the people petitioned conference to 
have him returned as their preacher, which was 
complied with. 

I believe that Brown was useful in many re- 
spects, but no general revival took place. One 
circumstance I will mention. As it was his 
business to visit from house to house, he called 
at a house near the foot of the Catskill Moun- 



176 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 

tains, to converse on the subject of religion. He 
asked the privilege to pray, which was rudely 
refused, the woman alledging that they hired a 
man to pray by the year. 

From Coeymans I returned to Jefferson, where 
I traveled one year with Philo Ferris, and my 
endeavors to accomplish anything this year with 
this man were similar to undertaking to draw 
a cat tail foremost. For some part of the time 
his temporal business and concerns so absorbed 
his time and attention, that the church was left 
in the dark. For instance, sometimes he would 
be traveling with three horses, and that on the 
sabbath ; but his race with the church was nearly 
at an end; and this may be looked for from 
every man who entangles himself with the 
world, when he is called of God to the great 
warfare. 

Perhaps, however, brother Ferris might have 
considered, in view of his circumstances, that his 
course was unavoidable. I have found myself 
at various times, in the course of my itinerancy, 
very much involved and straitened in my cir- 
cumstances, which I did not in the least antici- 
pate when I first left home ; and, probably, I was 
not as a wise man, who, when going to build, 
sits down first and counts the cost. Notwith- 
standing the difficult postures in which my family 
was often placed, I do not recollect, in the course 
of all my travels, allowing any of my embar- 
rassments to hinder or impede me in the dis- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 17? 

charge of any of the duties I owed to the church, 
excepting, of course, sickness. 

By reviewing my own course and that of 
others, I am led to make a few remarks : 1st. 
"We are to take the oversight of the flock will- 
ingly and of a ready mind. This I thought I 
did, and still think so ; but yet I believe fully, 
that had I been less entangled and concerned 
with the world, and if I had been more fully 
endued with authority from on high, and had 
had a more intimate and deep acquaintance with 
God, there would have been a freer communica- 
tion of good to me, and, of course, it would have 
been more like an overflowing fountain, which 
" shall be in us a well of water springing up." 
A man cannot offer to another, profitably, that 
which he does not possess himself. 2d. I would 
not discard the idea of having a sufficient and 
correct store of useful knowledge, both in Scrip- 
ture and the different departments of literature. 
Yet, with all that can be obtained from literature, 
without all and every part of assistance derivable 
from Christ and the Holy Ghost, no man will 
be able to show himself a workman that needeth 
not to be ashamed: " Without me ye can do 
nothing." And who can rightly divide the word 
of life, which is spiritually discerned, without the 
Spirit? And who can be a wise and faithful 
steward, to impart to each one of the household 
his portion of meat in due season, who himself 
is not experimentally, and in every other way, 



178 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

acquainted with the physical, moral, and intel- 
lectual wants of human beings? 3d. Bearingupon 
this matter is the following quotation from the 
Discipline : — Sec. 8, answer 1 to 3d question. 
" Be diligent ; never be unemployed ; never be 
triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; 
neither spend any more time at any place than 
is strictly necessary." 2. " Be serious. Let your 
motto be, Holiness to the Lord. Avoid all light- 
ness, jesting, and foolish talking." 

A part of the answer to question 4, says, " Do 
you expect to be made perfect in this life 7 Are 
you groaning after it?" For the last sentence 
in this quotation might be substituted : Have 
you this experience in possession? for the vilest 
man on earth may groan after it, and groan eter- 
nally. Let this condition be required from all 
candidates for ordination orders. And then this 
experience will be sought after, before that know- 
ledge that puffeth up. Then the ministry of the 
church will be pure and powerful. 

By an examination of ecclesiastical and pro- 
fane history, we shall find that this character of 
men has been the main-spring, by which all 
the machinery of God's great plan has been 
originated and kept in operation for the fulfill- 
ment of his great designs. These rules, then, 
must be considered imperative, and not to 
be dispensed with. And they must not, by 
any impure hands, be changed in the least 
degree. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 179 

While on this circuit, my presiding elder being 
absent, by his authority I, at a suitable time, ap- 
pointed a camp meeting. I had to assist me the 
Rev. Samuel Merwin, from Albany. At this 
meeting we had good reason to believe that 
there were above seventy souls converted. One 
circumstance in this work we will notice, to 
show that there is always a distinct space of time 
elapsing between justification and sanctification, 
be it longer or shorter. A certain young wo- 
man had been for weeks and months weeping 
and groaning at the throne of grace for mercy, 
but had not been able to find it, until one even- 
ing, at a prayer meeting in a tent, she received 
to her satisfaction the great blessing of justifica- 
tion by faith. In a short time after, she was 
heard to say, " "Why may I not be sanctified ? I 
wish to be more holy." I said to her, " It is the 
will of God that you should be wholly sanctified." 
She engaged as earnestly for this blessing as for 
the first, and was not disappointed, but gave 
satisfactory evidence to all present that this work 
had been fully accomplished ; and there appeared 
to be as much difference in her exercises and 
enjoyments, as there is difference between the 
moon and the sun. 

One more case. A young man, of a very ex- 
cellent and pious family, was suddenly called 
to try the realities of eternity by sickness. He 
earnestly sought, and by his own prayers and 
the prayers of his parents, found pardon. This 



180 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

was but a short time before his exit. " I feel 
that my sins are pardoned," said he ; " but I am 
not quite ready to go." His kind father said, 
" "What more, my son, would you wish ?" " My 
heart is not holy: I would wish to be wholly 
sanctified." 

Jacob like, they wrestled immediately for this 
blessing, and he obtained it, when with triumph, 
as in a chariot of fire, he passed to the unseen 
world. 

We are aware that the objector will evade all 
these evidences ; hence we will advert to the law 
and to the testimony. " And he that speaketh 
not according to this, it is because there is no 
light in him." 

We will now bring a few evidences from this 
source, to show that the above experience is 
Scriptural : — 

1st. " Have mercy upon me, O God, accord- 
ing to thy loving kindness, according unto the 
multitude of thy tender mercies." On this quo- 
tation we wish to exclude all boasting, all de- 
pendence on ourselves, as it respects merit or 
worthiness. It also excludes all hope of salvation 
by works, either merited or obtained, only the 
work of faith and prayer connected with true 
repentance. Repentance we conceive to be 
something more than a bare desire ; and it has 
been often said, and sinners have been bolstered 
up with the instruction, that if there is one desire 
left, they may yet hope for mercy. It is pro- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 181 

bable that the devils and damned spirits may- 
have desires, and envy the happiness of the 
righteous. Where desire is accompanied with 
sorrow for past sins, and abhorrence of the pre- 
sent, with desire to break off by righteousness 
from all sin and covenant by grace to serve the 
Lord; such characters may be considered as 
prisoners of hope, and not far from the kingdom 
of God. But all the hopes of a sinner, shorter 
than this, are no better than the hope of hypo- 
crites. " Blot out my transgressions !" This 
prayer, we conceive, goes as far as to be acquitted 
or justified ; for it was the custom in those days, 
when the account was settled, to blot the leaf, or 
doubOit down. 

" Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, 
and cleanse me from my sin." We conceive 
that the iniquity and sin here are what the 
Psalmist has reference to in the fifth verse, " Be- 
hold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did 
my mother conceive me ;" and this is what the 
Psalmist has reference to being washed or purged 
from, in the second and seventh verses, " Purge 
me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, and I shall 
be whiter than snow." Now we wish the 
reader, and every other person, when receiving 
the great blessing of the release of all their 
past sins, to observe, that they should not rest 
down under an idea that now all is well, though 
no doubt so far it is .well. And it will be 
the desire of all persons that receive this first 



182 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

blessing, if they are correctly instructed, very soon 
after justification, to obtain and to enjoy this tho- 
rough washing and cleansing, and being renewed 
wholly by the Holy Ghost, or spirit of burning. 

2d. " Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out 
all mine iniquities." Psa. li, 9. " Create in me 
a clean heart, O God ! and renew a right spirit 
within me." 10th verse. 

The ninth verse has no word in it that touches 
the depravity of nature. The tenth verse is alto- 
gether to that point, and shows clearly a positive 
distinction between the two great works of God 
in Christian experience. 

Now the man, either minister or lay member, 
that in experience knows no more than tne first 
blessing here spoken of, will not be likely to go 
any further in his discourse and doctrine, for it 
is from the contents of the heart that a man 
speaketh. And whoever is blind concerning the 
second great blessing of Christianity, and under- 
takes to lead the people to heaven, will fall 
into the ditch ; yet we do not say that a justified 
soul will be lost, if he goes on to that degree of 
perfection which is his privilege. And a man 
may rise to higher degrees of perfection, which 
will be to his great happiness and the benefit of 
others, after being sanctified. 

3d. " If we confess our sins, He is faithful to 
forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all un- 
righteousness." Now, to forgive and to cleanse 
are two things. One is to acquit from the guilt of 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 183 

past crime ; the other, to remove the cause. " Make 
the fountain pure, and the streams will be pure." 

4th. Notwithstanding all of God's work is in its 
nature holy, it remains for the objector to show 
that the work of God begun in man, makes his 
heart pure. 

From the quotations above, the objector may- 
see that "we have also a more sure word of 
prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, 
as unto a light that shineth in a dark place." 

At the above-named camp meeting there was 
much good done ; not only in the conversion 
and sanctification of souls immediately thereat, 
but by the advancement of the cause of true 
Christianity by the many fires that were there 
kindled, and that were thence carried out by the 
people in different directions. It was said that 
in a company that had come from Middletown, 
a distance of about thirty miles, about thir- 
teen souls were converted, whose minds had 
previously been instructed and enlightened under 
the labors of the Rev. A. Calder, a man who was 
the means of accomplishing as much good for 
the time he labored among the people, as any 
other who traveled this side of the North river. 

Camp meetings, when carried out according 
to the spirit of their institution, are a striking 
demonstration of the brilliancy and power of 
that aphorism of Mr. Asbury — that camp meet- 
ings were God Almighty's battle-axe. But 
inasmuch as God has said heretofore, when an 



184 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 



altar was about to be built for his worship, that 
if they lifted a tool upon one of the stones, 
it was polluted, God designs that his places 
of worship shall be plain and simple, like the 
gospel that is to be there expounded. In order 
that the true life and spirit of these meetings be 
retained, no huckster shop, victualing tent, or 
traffic of any sort, must be allowed at them. 

At this camp meeting there were many op- 
posers, and we had to encounter much persecu- 
tion. The law had to be enforced in several 
instances, and many rude persons were forced to 
leave the ground. 

Shortly after, at an appointment not far from 
this place, no doubt by some of those persons 
who had been ejected from the camp ground, 
the stable where my horse was standing was 
broken in, and, to their disgrace be it spoken, 
they cut off his tail and mane. The actors in 
this comedy I have never been able to discover. 
May the Lord reward them according to their 
deeds ! It was really amusing to hear the boys 
laugh at the most uncommon and extraordi- 
nary appearance of the poor beast, whenever I 
passed astride of him. 

We now come in the order of time to Dur- 
ham circuit. Marvin Richardson was the pre- 
siding elder — the most 'solemn, solid, orthodox, 
and dignified of any elder that I was ever ac- 
quainted with. At a quarterly meeting, at South 
Durham, he preached on the sabbath a most 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 185 

searching, powerful, and convincing sermon, 
from these words, " So speak, and so do, as those 
that shall be judged by the law of liberty." The 
meeting at this place was protracted for awhile, 
and many very important characters were won 
over, to the strengthening and building up of the 
church. We had a prayer meeting appointed 
at five o'clock in the morning, at brother Zoath 
Smith's. Nineteen persons were present — eight- 
een prayers were offered in one hour and forty 
minutes. This was about right — for they that 
make long prayers often devour widows' houses. 
It will be seen, and it should be very closely ob- 
served, that the average time consumed by each 
prayer was about five minutes ; and from this to 
seven minutes, on ordinary occasions, should 
be about the length of a prayer, in order to be 
profitable. " Be not as the heathens ;" — " for we 
are not to be heard for our much speaking." 

I will here just state a fact, and leave the 
reader to form his own conclusion in the pre- 
mises. As the stewards had divided the cir- 
cuit, and allowed me to get my table expenses 
from one part of it, one cold winter's night I 
put up with a very rich man on this section of 
the circuit, whose name was Brande. In the 
evening I prayed with the family ; in the morn- 
ing the man prayed himself: he made a loud 
and long prayer. He prayed for me, and my 
dear wife and children, with great apparent 
warmth: he then rode with me in my sleigh 



186 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

about three miles, and bade me good-by, without 
offering me a cent. 

■ I went on to another brother's house, where I 
arrived the next evening, whose name was Doo- 
little, which name is worthy of remembrance. 
I prayed in the evening and the morning. I had 
no particular evidence that brother Doolittle 
prayed at all. From this place I was to put out 
for my family. I hence, naturally, was anxious 
to receive something substantial to supply their 
necessities. From this house I received a grate- 
ful token of love : First, a ham, weighing about 
thirty pounds; and, second, an old cheese that 
had never been profaned by a knife. " I speak 
as to wise men, judge ye what I say." 

On this circuit I traveled two years, and con- 
tinued to labor, declaring all the counsel of God 
both to saint and sinner, warning every man, and 
teaching every man in all wisdom, for the great 
purpose of presenting every man perfect in Christ 
Jesus. And, as I have ever designed to be 
faithful, and use no partiality, setting forth the 
judgments of God to the wicked, as well as his 
promises to the righteous, and as the wicked 
will do wickedly, I found many that were un- 
willing to receive reproof, so as to effect a reform- 
ation, and I continued to meet with less or more 
persecution as I passed along. 

At one of my appointments, on this circuit, 
they commenced shearing my horse, but being 
interrupted, it was only partially done. At the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 187 

same appointment, which is called the foot of 
the Durham mountain, these servants of #ieir 
black master loaded my wagon with large stones. 
I traveled nearly two miles up a mountain, 
where I was to lodge, before I discovered it; but 
none of these things moved me so much as to 
hinder me from pursuing my way. 

I visited this part of God's vineyard in the first 
year of my itinerancy, and preached in a school- 
house, where nine persons presented themselves 
for prayer. All of them soon experienced religion, 
and joined the church. In this section, where the 
wicked undertook to abuse me and my horse, was 
a sister residing, who had experienced religion, 
when a girl, under my feeble labors : her resi- 
dence was with the widow Cornwell, in whose 
house I often found a comfortable retreat. This 
young lady had become the wife of Lyman 
Elton ; she, prompted by her own benevolence 
and energy, enlisted the assistance of the church, 
and made me a life member of the Missionary 
Society. 

On this circuit there was a camp meeting held 
in the town of Windham, Greene county, on the 
land of Arad Lewis. Not being favored with 
the superintendence of the presiding elder, we 
managed to the best of our ability. Much good 
resulted from this meeting. Some very extraor- 
dinary circumstances occurred. One, in particu- 
lar, was the conversion of a lady that had been 
trained up in the Calvinistic doctrine, who was 



188 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

a sister of our beloved brother Sandford Strong. 
Arid, notwithstanding her former prejudices, and 
her present curse of a wicked, drunken husband, 
she was brought out in the full liberty and faith 
of free and full salvation, and was unspeakably 
happy. She joined the Methodist E. Church. 

There was also a young lady who came all 
the way from Cairo to this meeting, of the family 
of the beloved brother, John Pine, and was truly 
converted to the Lord. Not long after, she died 
the death of the righteous. 

It might be easily observed that God's minis- 
ters at camp meetings have more than ordinary 
power and energy. The preaching and exhorta- 
tion, especially of Harvey Brown, were of a sub- 
lime and searching character. As he had for- 
merly been a military officer, it would seem from 
his former knowledge, that he would be entirely 
able to adapt his mode of warfare so as to sur- 
round the enemies of the cross, and bring them 
to surrender and cry mightily before the throne 
of God, as being guilty and worthy of death ; 
but many of them found their repentance was 
unto life. The church was greatly quickened, 
and several accessions made. Let camp meet- 
ings be perpetuated as long as sinners are con- 
verted and the devil displeased! 

At the closing up of the two years on this 
circuit I took a supernumerary relation to the 
conference. It was thought by some of the 
brethren that my effective labors ought to come 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 189 

to a close ; and as I wish always to feel myself 
bound, by reason oT my ordination vows, to be 
subject to my superiors, I think I have generally 
felt willing to bow to their opinions, and take 
that course they judged best. In this relation I 
have striven to do what I was able to do, as a 
minister in this condition. 

I have been supernumerary from that time up 
to the present, and have generally traveled from 
one to two thousand miles a year; and have 
preached, probably, on an average, about twice 
for every sabbath. During my effective relation, 
it was said that I performed twenty-four years' 
labor in sixteen. 

In the course of the whole of my travels, since 
I commenced an itinerant life, I have probably 
traveled more than one hundred thousand miles. 
In that time I have worn out several horses and 
wagons. One horse, in particular, that I bought 
of Alexander Cole, in Middletown, carried me 
at least fifty thousand miles : becoming afflicted 
with the glanders, I gave him away to a poor 
man. Some time after, when returning home 
from one of my tours, I was somewhat convict- 
ed in view of this faithful and useful animal, 
fearing that he was not well dealt by, and told 
my family that I would go and bring "old 
Pomp" home, and let him die honorably, and see 
him decently buried. I was afterward told, how- 
ever, that the old gentleman was dead and gone, 
and was really glad, conceiving that he had done 



190 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

enough service to entitle him to rest. • And, 
touching his resurrection, I do not believe that it 
will ever take place, nor do I wish it. Therefore, 
peace to his manes ! 

The aggregate number of persons added to 
the church within the bounds of my travels, in 
connection with my colleagues, I suppose was 
about three thousand. And, perhaps, it would 
not be too much to say, that a great many more 
were converted who never joined the Methodist 
Church. 

There are thousands of circumstances and 
minute details connected with my life which I 
find it entirely impossible to recall or recollect. 
It will be perceived that I have not kept a jour- 
nal. But I shall endeavor promiscuously to 
narrate the more prominent events of my life for 
a few years past. 

In the month of May, 1844, my health had 
become so far reduced that I was hardly able to 
perform any business that required much phy- 
sical strength ; and for several days and nights 
was so indisposed that I could procure but little 
rest, and on the tenth day of May I was so un- 
well during the night, that I did not take my 
bed till nearly one o'clock. After I had slept 
about five hours, which brought it to six o'clock 
in the morning, there was a most terrific thunder 
storm ; and a sudden stroke of electricity pene- 
trated the roof of my barn in two places ; my 
horses, wagons, harness, barn implements, grain, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 191 

&c., with the barn and extensive shedding, were 
entirely consumed. Nothing whatever was saved. 

The clap of thunder awoke me from my sleep. 
I said to my companion, " I think this must have 
struck somewhere not far off." In a few mo- 
ments, as I was preparing to rise, some one at 
the door told me that my barn was on fire. I 
walked to the window, and saw that the fire 
was bursting forth with great vehemence and 
velocity from every side of the buildings. I 
took my boots, and deliberately sat down and 
pulled them on, as though nothing was the 
matter. I walked out, and stepped around, 
thinking that I might possibly save my one- 
horse wagon from under the open shed. When 
I came in sight of it, I found it all in a blaze. 
Notwithstanding the rain was pouring down in 
torrents, in a few moments everything was de- 
stroyed, except a few timbers. 

I wish here to relate a circumstance, to show 
the depravity of human nature, from the effects 
of rum. In the commencement of the con- 
flagration there were two stage-drivers in sight, 
who saw the lightning when it struck the barn. 
I heard them pass my house, and they did not 
apprise me of the fire. They stated, when they 
got to the head of the Delaware, their reasons ; 
which were, that they supposed I was in bed, 
and, with an oath, they averred that they would 
not have made it known if it had burnt me up 
and all that I had. 



192 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

The conduct of these poor, wicked, and fallen 
brethren, and the suffering of my poor horses 
in the fire, gave me more pain of mind than 
all the loss of property, which was estimated 
to amount to about six hundred dollars. Di- 
rectly before the fire was extinct, there was a 
large number of the worthy inhabitants of that 
place present. One man, a Presbyterian deacon, 
said, " Don't be cast down, Mr. Bangs, you shall 
have a barn again." 

And in the erection of one he conducted 
himself nobly, and evinced the character of a 
benevolent Ghristian. Many of the brethren in 
my own church, by their free and liberal con- 
tributions, evinced a magnanimity which was 
truly grateful on the trying occasion. 

A considerable part of the loss was, by the 
kind efforts of friends, made up to me. 

In one year previous to this, by the loss of 
horses, cattle, and damage otherwise, I sustained 
an additional loss to the amount of about five 
hundred dollars. When these things, and many 
others, some of which have been mentioned, 
are considered, it will be seen where much of 
my hard earnings have gone. Perhaps my 
heavenly Father has seen that this was best for 
me ; and as to real and personal property I am 
now destitute. But He that hath numbered the 
hairs, and provides for the birds, without store- 
house or barn, may be trusted with unwavering 
confidence and assurance. I hope soon to have 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 193 

religion enough to say, that whatever state I 
am in, therewith I am content. Circumstances 
by which I am now surrounded, teach me that the 
providence of God is mysterious. My transient 
location, at present, is under the hospitable roof 
of a friend, yea, more than a friend, a brother 
in the Lord : he and his wife are the fruits of 
the gospel that was made known to them by 
my mouth while traveling on Sharon circuit, 
more than twenty-five years ago : the union that 
was then formed with these friends, from that 
time to the present, has been growing stronger 
and stronger. Their love to me has not been 
in word only, but in deed and in truth. The 
name of Barnes Baird will ever be associated 
in my feelings with true Christian regard. This 
place (and whereat I am now writing) is in the 
town of Warren, Oneida county, where I am 
engaged with a protracted meeting. 

I find upon reflecting upon my past history, 
and my various entanglements, that the vigor 
and activity of my mind have been greatly cur- 
tailed. I find, however, at the present, much of 
this sort of difficulty removed. My head has not 
been so clear, and free from pain and absence of 
mind, for a number of years, as at the present time. 
I am also in the possession of good physical 
powers. I therefore anticipate with pleasure the 
prospect before me of being more useful. 

For some time before my wife died, I was 
of but little use to anybody. Leaving my va- 



194 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

rious concerns, I tried to employ my time in 
New- York; and after she died, I hardly knew 
what course to take. I thought, on the whole, 
it would be best for me to await the moving of 
Providence. After returning home from con- 
ference, which was held in the city of New- York, 
having no regular work assigned me, though I 
had a general appointment from conference on 
Jefferson circuit, at the first quarterly meeting, 
while the stewards and preachers were making 
their arrangements for the year, the subject of 
my labors among them was fetched up ; and 
when they found, that if I served them, there 
would be some remuneration expected, they 
viewed me in the light of a boat, to be shoved 
out to sea without sails, rudder, or ballast. Un- 
der these circumstances I often had times of 
serious meditation ; in reflecting upon my former 
life, in union with the companion of my youth, 
who had been so suddenly and unexpectedly 
removed from me. And as I am so constituted 
as never to be seriously affected in the midst of 
sudden emergencies, at this late hour of my life 
I began more sensibly to feel the consequence 
of my great loss and bereavement. The excel- 
lences of my worthy companion were not so 
fully appreciated before as after she was gone 
from me. Her rigid adherence to principle, 
which consisted in a fixed determination to act 
in the fear of God, was ever conspicuous. I 
often came to conclusions with reference to her 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 195 

that afforded me much satisfaction. One was, 
to think that after a long life of much trouble 
and trial, she was permitted to leave the 
world in peace of mind, and that her suffering 
in her latest moments was comparatively smalL 
And I could not but think, with much pleasure, 
on her happy state in the regions of everlasting 
day, in the company of her friends and six of 
her dear children. May I be so happy, when 
my work is done, as to join them in the abodes 
of the blessed ! 

I was again married on the seventh day of 
October, 1845, just seven months after the death 
of my first wife, to Mrs, Arethusa Palmer, of 
Maryland, Otsego county, N. Y., a lady whom I 
had been acquainted with nearly thirty years, 
and who was highly recommended by the proper 
authorities of the church. 

I will here insert a journal which I have 
kept of a recent tour to the town of Warren, 
where I arrived on Wednesday evening, Feb- 
ruary 4th, 1846, and commenced a protracted 
meeting, which continued about three weeks 
after I first arrived. It will show the charac- 
ter of my present labors, in connection with 
my project in behalf of children, hereafter ex- 
plained. 

After passing over the Otsego lake, with great 
hazard, I arrived at my old friend's house, brother 
Baird. Repaired to the church, and after preach- 
ing by the Rev, Mr, Rockwell, offered a few 



196 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

remarks by way of exhortation. Thursday night 
preached from Jer. viii, 22 : " "Why then is not 
the health of the daughter of my people recover- 
ed ?" In this exercise, my mind was comfortable, 
solid, and not very much animated. Next even- 
ing preached from " Godliness is profitable unto 
all things." 1 Tim, iv, 8. There appeared to be 
more life, more feeling, and better attention. 
One young man, the sexton of the church, was 
converted and made happy. Saturday evening 
preached from Psalm cxlv: "The Lord pre- 
served! all them that love him ; all the wicked 
will he destroy." The excitement seemed to in- 
crease in a firm but slow degree. At the close 
of this exercise, a pedler, from the empire of 
Russia, came to the place of mourners, wRo was 
probably brought as far that evening as one that 
beheld men as trees walking. Sabbath, A. M., 
very severe, cold weather, snow blowing, and 
few people out. Probably the feelings and ex- 
ercises were some like the weather. Preached 
from Psalm lxxxix, 15, 16 : " Blessed are the 
people that know the joyful sound ; they shall 
walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. 
In thy name shall they rejoice all the day. In 
thy righteousness shall they be exalted." In this 
exercise I was much profited myself. I believe 
some were convicted ; and some others had their 
faith considerably increased. We had a very pro- 
fitable class meeting, notwithstanding all, except 
one, gave a very inappropriate and uncalled-for 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 197 

detail. Would it not be well for every man, before 
he expresses himself publicly, to consider : Do 
the place and circumstances justify what I am 
about to offer ? Will it be for the general and 
individual good ? Let every man judge for him- 
self on these points. 

Sunday evening preached from Proverbs viii, 
4 : " Unto you, O man, I call, and my voice is 
unto the sons of men." I believe in this sermon 
I had a tolerably good arrangement, and some 
good impressions were made upon the people. 
Monday night, from James iv, 8 : " Draw nigh 
to God, and he will draw nigh to you." In the 
close, our Russian Mend came forward again, 
under great exercise of mind, and received new 
tokens of good, and the next day appeared satis- 
fied that he had found the pearl of great price. 

Tuesday night I had for a subject James iv, 17. 
At the conclusion my feelings were peculiar : con- 
gregation large and unusually attentive. In the 
closing of these exercises a young woman pre- 
sented herself for prayers, herself very earnestly 
engaged for the salvation of her soul. There 
was also a very aged lady who fell upon her 
knees, having been a backslider, who was again 
restored to favor, before the meeting closed, and 
made very joyful — the other went away deeply 
mourning. 

Wednesday night, John v, 40 : " Ye will not 
come unto me that ye might have life." We 
have great hope of the conversion of children, 



198 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

One little boy, about ten years old, came for- 
ward; many of the congregation under con- 
viction ; my own soul calm and serene. 

Thursday night, February 12 : " But the end 
of all things is at hand ; be ye therefore sober, 
and watch unto prayer." I felt much freedom, 
great anxiety for souls, and believe the word 
must have had effect in the congregation. 

Friday night: "Cast* 1 not away your confi- 
dence." Hebrews. Had a very profitable and 
interesting meeting ; a great deal of union and 
feeling manifested : two came forward for pray- 
ers — one was soundly converted, the other, who 
appeared to be very intelligent, spoke quite 
earnestly, to know whether it was not an abomi- 
nation in the sight of God for a sinner to pray. 
She went away apparently not far from the 
kingdom. 

Saturday rode- eight miles, and preached in a 
private house to a small congregation, for the 
accommodation of a sick lady, from, " She arose 
quickly, and came to him." John xi, 29. 

Left Warren on Saturday the 14th February, 
for Maryland. 

In consequence of a severe snow-storm, tarried 
at home over sabbath and Monday. This sab- 
bath makes one of only seven that I had been 
home in forty years. 

On Tuesday, the 17th, went with my wife 
A to South Wooster, on business, and re- 
turned the same day. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 199 

Wednesday, returned to "Warren in the even- 
ing ; met brother R with a part of his flock, 

and some sinners, in a prayer meeting, which 
was a refreshing time from the Lord. 

Thursday evening preached at the church, 
after which held a prayer meeting : one woman, 
who had a drunken husband, converted. Went 
home with brother St. John, whose mother had 
been a few evenings previously reclaimed, after 
having been in a state of despair for about twenty 
years : this is the woman mentioned before, as 
having been a backslider. In consequence of a 
severe snow-storm and wind, I was obliged to 
tarry at this place until sabbath morning, where 
myself and wife were comfortably and pleasantly 
entertained ; and when we departed they treated 
us also with much kindness, as did the Melitans 
Paul and his companions — supplying us with 
many things that were necessary. 

On Saturday we waded through the snow- 
banks, to visit the family of the above-named 
woman ; found her able to give satisfactory 
answers to questipns put to her relative to her 
conversion. Her husband was at home, and, 
from what we had heard about him, we expected 
rather a rough reception ; but in this particular 
we were happily disappointed. After consider- 
able conversation, principally on the subject of 
religion, he and his wife listening with great 
attention, manifesting of a truth that this was 
something that they had never before seriously 



200 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

looked into ; and, as we proposed to make our 
visit as profitable as possible, proposed prayer, 
which was readily consented to. 

22d. Sabbath morning preached from Psalm 
li, 1, 2. The man above alluded to was present 
for the first time during the meeting, and probably 
for many years past. In the sermon I endeavor- 
ed to show the great privileges of the gospel : 
1st. To be justified, or have our sins blotted out; 
and 2d. To be thoroughly washed ; to have a 
clean heart ; to be made whiter than snow. This 
distinction between justification and sanctifica- 
tion must be contended for by all ministers, or 
the people will never fully understand the true 
meaning of the gospel. This doctrine seemed 
to touch fire to the souls of the brethren, which 
they manifested in class meeting by their high 
expressions of victory. 

Saturday evening preached from 1 Thess. iv, 
11 ; five forward for prayers, and two converted. 

Monday evening preached again, at the church, 
from 1 John ii, 15 : " Love not the world." 
1st. Showed some reasons why we should not 
love the world — and if the reasons had all been 
shown they would have been many, and con- 
vincing; 2d. What was necessary, in order that 
we might not have undue or unlawful attach- 
ments to the world, by representing the Author, 
and his lawful claims — with higher objects. On 
this evening the woman's drunken husband was 
converted ; one other man, the head of a family, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 201 

also had two children converted at this meet- 
ing. 

Tuesday 24, P. M., two o'clock, preached 
from Malachi iii, 16. This was a pleasant time, 
and much love and union appeared to exist; 
five joined the class. 

Tuesday evening preached from Zech. ix, 12 ; 
two souls converted. 

Wednesday evening preached from Heb. iii, 
15, where it is said, " To-day, if you will hear 
his voice, harden not your hearts :" one drunken 
backslider reclaimed. 

Thursday evening preached from 2 Cor. xiii, 
11 l. " Be perfect." This closing sermon, how- 
ever imperfect, afforded me more pleasure than 
any other meeting I held. Very inclement 
evening, and but few attended ; one young lady 
on her knees, anxiously desiring to find the pearl 
of great price. 

27th. Weather more pleasant I leave again 
for other fields of labor, without one unpleasant 
feeling on my part. The brethren on the last 
evening manifested their regards and love, not in 
word only, but in deeds. I feel so completely 
wound up with the friends at the Warren Lakes, 
that they will not soon become erased from my 
memory. " May the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Ohrist be with them all!" 

We will now mention a few circumstances in 

connection with this visit to Warren, which may 

afford much pleasure to some, and we hope 
9* 



202 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 

profit to all. Soon after I came to this place, I 
was notified of a young woman who was very 
sick, a daughter of a brother and sister Acres, 
about nineteen years of age. One evening, after 
preaching, I rode a mile and a half to the place, 
and put up for the night. In the morning I was 
introduced to the young lady. At the time of 
prayer, with my Bible in my hand, I asked her, 
" Do you like to hear prayers ?" She answered, 
" Yes, sir." I said, " What shall we pray for?" 
She answered, " That I may have religion." My 
mind was peculiarly drawn out in her behalf. 
When I left, she requested another visit. Shortly 
after, I understood that she expressed a wish to 
attend the meeting at the church, thinking that 
there she might find comfort to her troubled 
mind. She was so weak, that this request could 
not be acceded to. I proposed to the brethren 
to have a special prayer meeting appointed at 
her father's, in view of her case, and I believe 
there were about twelve brethren and sisters as- 
sembled at the time appointed, and they prayed 
in the Holy Ghost, and the effect was that which 
might be expected from righteous people. I be- 
lieve, from the observations of the young lady 
afterward, that she was then justified. 

After returning the second time to Warren, I 
learned that this young woman was rapidly de- 
clining. In consequence of the severity of the 
storm I was detained several days, after I de- 
signed to have made her a visit, and had not 






AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 203 

the pleasure of seeing her until the day on the 
evening of which she died. I found her in great 
distress both in body and mind. This was a 
very solemn and trying scene, which I shall 
never be able to describe. May the Master grant 
me more wisdom to manage such difficult cases ! 
Her trouble appeared to arise from a con- 
sciousness of the depravity of her heart. Her 
knowledge of the theory of religion was such, 
that she was fully convinced that she must be 
holy in order to enter heaven. Every prayer and 
every exercise appeared to be attended with the 
divine approbation, which, we believe, did gain 
ascendency step by step. I prayed at this time 
by the request of the child. When making pre- 
parations to leave, she called me to come and be 
seated by her again. Her words, her looks, her 
tokens of kindness, fixed such feelings in my 
heart as will long remain — I hope for my good. 

From the agony of her mind she still ex- 
pressed a desire to be prepared for her approach- 
ing exit. She said, " Don't leave me — I am 
afraid to die. Come here, mother ; where's fa- 
ther ?" I fell upon my knees, with all present, 
a few moments in silence. Her cries and groans 
with ours, we humbly trust, were listened to and 
regarded by Him who is mighty to save, whose 
blood cleanseth from all sin, and all the stains 
of sin. Then I prepared again to leave, after 
giving her such advice as I thought proper. 
I remarked, " Make up your mind, and send me 



204 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

word, and I will call and baptize you." She said, 
" I had rather it were done now." I again laid 
off my overcoat, and asked her father his views. 
He said, " Do as you think proper." I rehearsed 
to her the conversation between Philip and the 
eunuch, and explained to her the nature and 
object of baptism, as being the confirmation of 
her faith in the Son of God as her Saviour. To 
this she acquiesced. I made a short and appro- 
priate prayer, and baptized her, not with a drop of 
water on the top of her head, as some improperly 
do, but I put a handful of water upon her fore- 
head, which spread over her face ; and as she 
quickly wiped it off with a handkerchief in her 
dying hand, her countenance immediately was 
changed ; and we have good faith to think that, 
in her attending to this Scriptural ordinance, 
God baptized her with the Holy Ghost and 
with fire. Acts, chap, ii, ver. 38. In attending 
to this ordinance, Peter said, " Ye shall receive 
the gift of the Holy Ghost." About four hours 
from this time this lady expired, and on Thurs- 
day, 26th of February, her funeral was attended 
at the church. The sermon was preached by 
the pastor, from Amos iv, 12, " Prepare to meet 
thy God." Notwithstanding the uncommon 
severity of the weather, there was a large and 
respectable congregation of the community as- 
sembled, and from the appropriate and well- 
directed discourse great feeling was excited, and 
many tears were shed. May this providence be 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 205 

sanctified to the bereaved friends, and especially 
to all the youth ! 

This young lady had, previous to her sickness, 
been much absorbed in the gayeties and plea- 
sures of this life, and I would say, particularly 
to dancers and frolickers, take warning. 

I will here insert an account of some circum- 
stances connected with a short itinerancy, and 
the providential commencement of a mission 
among children, and some of its effects thus far. 

In December, of the year 1844, I received a 
very cordial and friendly invitation from some 
of the brethren and friends of the Greene-street 
church, New- York city, to unite with an elder 
brother in the ministry and one of my dear 
brothers, called doctor, to aid in carrying on a 
protracted meeting. I labored several nights 
with great pleasure and profit to my own soul. 
My principal object was to enforce the doctrine 
and experience of entire holiness with the direct 
witness of the Spirit, And as the ground had 
been previously broken up by the pastor then 
laboring there, the additional seed soon united 
with the former in taking root. Among several 
of th£ dear brethren and sisters, where the fire 
had already been kindled, was soon blown a 
mighty blaze, and they were filled with the 
Holy Ghost. Some inroads were made into the 
ranks of the enemy. Several Roman Catholics 
were converted and joined the church. There 
are many things connected with my short stay 



206 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

with this people which I should like to mention, 
but shall have to forbear. Their Christian re- 
gard for me, so substantially manifested, is known 
in heaven. My heart and affections are in such s. 
manner so closely and mysteriously united with 
this people, as is beyond the possibility of 
language to describe. 

My visit to Jersey city, to Spring Garden, and 
several other places in those neighborhoods, gives 
me great pleasure to reflect upon. I received 
an invitation also to visit the brethren at "White 
Plains, where the pure word of the Lord took 
great effect both in the church and in the hearts 
of sinners. Under the first sermon here, in the 
old church, the light shone so clearly, and the 
brethren and sisters were so thoroughly con- 
vinced of the necessity of a deeper work of 
grace, that about thirty of them fell upon their 
knees, and sought the blessing, which was, 
no doubt, measurably imparted to their souls. 
The meetings were delightful in both churches. 
Several very interesting persons were converted, 
but I believe these occurred mostly after I left. 
While I was present, a young man, of con- 
siderable fortune, was brought into the possession 
of those riches that are more durable than gold 
or silver. While on his knees one afternoon at 
the altar, he heard something said about a col- 
lection for " brother Bangs." He could help a 
little, he said, and handed the steward four dol- 
lars — a good fruit of the gospel. The members 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 207 

of the church in that place were all very friendly 
and kind to me- I never was in a place where 
there was such a venerable and respectable body 
of men and women, that had been so long con- 
nected with the church. I could find but a 
small matter to act upon in the way of reproof. 
I thought, however, some of them, for the want of 
pure and perfect holiness, were a little too proud. 
From thence I commenced laboring in the 
Forsyth-street church, New- York, in conjunction 
with brother Washburn, who was then unwell, 
and could labor but little. Here, also, I pre- 
sented and proclaimed a full and free salvation, 
and that it was the privilege to be made free 
from all sin through faith in the blood of atone- 
ment. Many precious souls in this place also 
caught the fire of reformation, and entered more 
deeply into the spirit of this work, and became 
more useful. Here I formed acquaintances, 
which yet afford me pleasure in my more retired 
moments and serious reflections. I found great 
pleasure in visiting various families in their sick- 
ness and distress, widows and the poor. I will 
just mention one circumstance of a lady who 
was at the altar, praying and agonizing, until 
she appeared to be set at perfect liberty. She 
praised the Lord, and clapped her hands with 
great quickness. Some of the friends had seri- 
ous doubts in reference to her sincerity. I said, 
" Let her alone." In the evening of the next day 
I called on this lady. I had been in -her com- 



208 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

pany but a very few moments, when, if my heart 
deceives me not, she spoke the language of Ca- 
naan too clearly to be mistaken. My faith was 
greatly strengthened, my soul animated, and I 
believe I felt somewhat as did Philip when he - 
parted from the eunuch. These people also 
treated me with marked urbanity and cordiality. 
Their depth of piety led them to noble acts of 
benevolence. On Sunday evening, when closing 
up, some of the very affectionate friends said, 
" How are you going to get away ?" I told them 
" I should run away, for I was half way home al- 
ready ;" my mind, at least, was quite there. I could 
not then believe that there was any virtue or good- 
ness in me, or performed by me, that caused the 
people to treat me so kindly. On Monday, be- 
fore leaving, a brother invited me to call at his 
house before I left. " My wife has something for 
you," said he. I thought, probably, she had 
some good wishes and prayers ; but when I had 
prayed with the family, and was about to leave, 
the good sister, for so she was, according to her 
testimony at church, presented me with a quarter 
eagle, and another with a piece of silver. So 
much for stepping a little out of the way to 
visit a family. I returned my sincere thanks to 
the stewards and to the brethren that were so 
efficient in their efforts for my assistance. May 
their reward be great in heaven ! I then made 
the best of a winter voyage to my family. I 
arrived on the 4th of March. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 209 

I shall never regret my labor and enjoyments 
while absent from home, during the time of the 
events above narrated ; but the consideration of 
my absence from my wife, who was in very 
feeble health, is tinged with a shade of regret, 
especially in view of the fact, that she died shortly 
after my return, so that during about the last 
days of her life I was away from her. Her life 
terminated on the 12th of March, 1845, in great 
peace. 

Soon after this, I undertook to arrange my 
temporal business. I sold off my real and per- 
sonal property ; and, after a balance being made, 
found that all I possessed was not sufficient to 
meet the claims against me — but my object is, 
as fast as Providence opens the way, to satisfy 
all demands. I was at considerable loss to know 
what course to take. At the annual conference, 
the ladies of the New- York Home Mission pro- 
posed to me to labor in their service. I should 
have been glad to accept this honor, but, after con- 
sultation on the subject, I felt and believed that 
the Lord directed me another way. I then made 
my arrangements to travel at large. By the kind- 
ness of my friends, at Delaware, I was privileged 
with a team, equipage, and carriage. I accord- 
ingly commenced traveling some time in June. 
From that time to this I have traveled, inces- 
santly, in the two conferences of New- York 
and Oneida, nearly two thousand miles, passed 
through about forty towns, preached and held 



210 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

about seventy religious meetings; the fruit of 
which has been, probably, the conversion of more 
than fifty souls. My attention has been more 
particularly directed to the children. One parti- 
cular circumstance I will here mention. While 
at the village of Bichmondville, some time since, 
the hearts of several girls were very much affected. 
One morning, where I lodged over night, I saw 
three little daughters come to the door; they 
partially opened it, and looked in. I invited 
them in. One of them appeared to be instruct- 
ed to speak for the whole, who was a grand- 
daughter of a brother that experienced religion 
when I traveled in that county, twenty-seven 
years ago. " Sir," said she, " we all three want 
religion." I gave them instructions, and prayed 
with them ; shortly after, four of the little group 
were soundly converted, joined the church, and 
are beautiful flowers progressing fast to maturity. 

At this place there has recently been a very 
good revival, under the labors of the Rev. Wm, 
Burnside, who is the pastor of the church there. 
I was recently there myself, and greatly pleased 
with the movements. One thing, in particular, 
pleased me much : the little girl, above spoken 
of, came in and paid me a visit. I was greatly, 
pleased at the Christian courtesy, simplicity, 
and love manifested t)y this little girl. 

Some time in October last I was invited 
to attend a protracted meeting at Mooresville, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 211 

Delaware county. The Lord wrought among 
the people : several souls were converted, and 
brought into the church. One day, after preach- 
ing in the grove, there was a lady that made 
herself known to me, that I had not seen for a 
number of years. She had formerly lived at this 
place, but was now from the county of Cha- 
tauque. She related to me a circumstance that 
occurred at her father's house, when she and her 
little sister, to whom I had given the Wesleyan 
Catechism to learn, were present. After reciting 
their lessons in a room by themselves, I talked 
and prayed with them, and they were very 
much affected, and soon after were brought into 
a realization of the truth of those principles that 
they had committed to memory. She said, " I 
must call you my spiritual father." Immediately 
two other ladies, standing by, said, that they too 
must claim the same privilege. One of these 
was a Presbyterian clergyman's wife. These 
three were all children when converted. These, 
with many other circumstances that have occur- 
red during the season past, led my mind into a 
train of reflection, on the benefits that might 
accrue, by directing my attention and labors 
especially to children. 

I finally, on maturing the subject, formed a plan, 
which I hope was originated by Infinite Wisdom. 
In the midst of my meditations upon this subject, 
I"\vas yet at a loss how to proceed. Still the im- 



212 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

portance of the subject weighed upon my mind, 
and I proceeded to make it known to my friends, 
and, to some extent, the church. Being invited 
one sabbath morning, last fall, to preach to the 
congregation in the Norfolk-street church, New- 
York city, under the pastoral care of Nicholas 
White, in the course of the discourse I was led 
to make an explication, in part, of my views on 
this subject; and some of the efficient brethren of 
that church took it up, and managed it most 
admirably. They furnished me with a large 
supply of second-hand books, and funds to pur- 
chase new ones — the amount and value of which 
were probably fifty dollars. The book agents 
also furnished tne with some little assistance, 
and forwarded the whole to Catskill for me. 
They came safely to hand. I awaited their 
arrival, and loaded thefti on my carriage, and 
started on my way to my field of labor, with 
unspeakable delight and gratitude both to God 
and man. At the earliest opportunity I made 
an appointment for a meeting of children at 
Marylandville, a place situated on the confines 
of one of those stupendous mountains with which 
that region abounds. The children were invited 
without reference to Sect, being, however, all 
under the age of sixteen. As it was rather an 
unfavorable time of the year, the number of chil- 
dren was not as large as it otherwise would have 
been. At the appointed hour of eleven, A. M., 
on the sabbath, fifty-five interesting and intelli- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 213 

gent children were present. Their order and 
arrangement were attended to by their parents, 
who took a deep interest in the subject. The 
good order and attention of these children gained 
the approbation of all present. I commenced 
my exercises with first saying, " If I were to ask 
you, children, who made you ? you would un- 
doubtedly answer, God." I then read to them the 
ten commandments, making some few observa- 
tions, especially upon the third. I then have them 
rise and sing, prayer following. With the fourth 
chapter of Proverbs for a text, I afterward lec- 
ture to them. I then read the following pledge 
to them for their signatures : — " I solemnly and 
voluntarily pledge for my self that I will never make 
use of any spirituous liquors, wines, strong beer, 
cider, tobacco, or snuff, unless in case of extreme 
necessity." 

I advise them, with the consent and appro- 
bation of their parents, to sign this pledge. I 
then, by the aid of clerks, take their names and 
ages, and record them in a book prepared for 
that purpose : after which I ask all who are will- 
ing to have their names attached to the pledge 
to rise up. "We then distribute the books accord- 
ing to age and capacity : after which I give some 
appropriate advice and lessons to commit to 
memory, and leave them in the care of the offi- 
cial members and sisters of the church, to meet 
them once a month, until I shall visit them again, 
at the expiration of three months, with a view to 



214 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

deliver to them a discourse more especially on 
the subject of regeneration, and living in the 
service of God ; and to distribute among them 
new books and new lessons. At this time a 
collection is to be made for the purpose of de- 
fraying expenses, and to replenish the supply 
of books. As I make no charge for my services 
and time, what I receive is altogether voluntarily 
given. 

On the 30th November I held my second 
children's meeting, in the town of Maryland, 
Otsego county. As I made my appointment 
positive, the children, without defalcation, save 
one, were there to the number of fifty-four. 
They took their seats in the body of the church, 
the boys on one side and the girls on the other, 
the parents being on each side, male and female 
separate, which was Mr. Wesley's rule, and when 
observed as it should be, in all our churches, there 
would undoubtedly be no disturbance in public 
worship : I pursued the same course here as be- 
fore. One thing in this meeting I wish to notice, 
in order to show what influence can be had over 
children: As we were often disturbed by per- 
sons coming in after the hour of appointment, 
which disgraceful practice ought not to be per- 
sisted in, but entirely done away, I directed the 
attention of the children to my subject, and re- 
quested them not to turn their heads, no matter 
how many or who should come in. It would 
have been pleasing for any person to have beheld 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 215 

the attention of the children directed at once to 
the speaker, and such an interest did the subject 
excite, that they appeared to be riveted during 
the progress of the meeting ; and, whenever the 
doors were thrown open, it did not distract their 
attention, to the astonishment of the parents and 
all present. 

Out of the number present, fifty-two signed 
the pledge, and since that have manifested great 
assiduity in committing their lessons to memory, 
which we trust will fix principles in the mind as 
lasting as time. 

Our third meeting was held in another part 
of the same town with the preceding, on the 
fourth of January, at which there were forty- 
eight children present, with a crowded congre- 
gation of adults, and all appeared to be very much 
satisfied ; thirty-nine signed the pledge, one of 
whom was addicted to chewing tobacco. The 
meeting went off with great delight. 

Our fourth meeting was held at Jefferson, 
Schoharie county, on the highest peak of the 
Dutch Hill. "When the assembly was together, 
and the one hundred and sixty-eight children 
seated in order, the sight, methinks, must have 
caused angels to rejoice. Two things caused 
some unpleasant feelings in my mind at this 
meeting. The first was, that I was not better 
qualified and prepared to accomplish the object 
there presented to me. O how my heart felt for 
the welfare of those little immortals that made 



216 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

such a beautiful appearance ! I found myself 
deficient in the requisite amount of books, to 
supply fully the wants and demands of the large 
number of children that were then before me. 
The meeting was much larger than I had 
expected to find it ; however, I distributed 
what I had, but was compelled to disappoint 
many. 

One hundred and eleven of the children pre- 
sent signed the pledge. Men, too, who seemed 
to have been convicted on the spot, requested 
leave to sign it, with a view to abandon the use 
of tobacco ; this I allowed, though the pledge 
was designed specially for children. As far as 
this project has progressed, and as far as the 
community have become acquainted with its 
object and results, it has been generally approved 
of. Indeed, the presiding elder of the district 
spoke very favorably of it. We find that it is 
calculated to give a higher tone to the sabbath- 
school cause, and greatly to aid the temperance 
reformation. It will be seen by every one, that 
in this plan, the true method to produce reforma- 
tion, and effect an abandonment of the evil habits 
and propensities deprecated in the pledge, has 
been hit upon ; for if we begin with children, 
there can be no failure ; the plan must indubi- 
tably succeed; and, if so, the consequence will 
be, that, in one generation, or two at the most, 
the abominable practices that have been so 
common among us will be in a great measure 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 217 

banished. Drinking, chewing tobacco, heathen- 
ism, personal assaults, and, finally, national wars 
will subside. Now we, with some degree of 
confidence, ask, Who will aid us with their 
means, prayers, and influence, to carry on this 
project? From what has already been done, 
from the first statement of the plan to one con- 
gregation in the city of New- York, may it not 
be supposed that every congregation in that city 
has a sufficiency of books not in use, which might 
be appropriated to this purpose — books, which 
are now lying idle and lifeless, might thus be 
made the means of diffusing knowledge, light, 
and life, among the various families and children 
that are now destitute, and have no apprehension 
of the benefit of these things in these back coun- 
tries ! For the want of books I shall be able to 
call only one more congregation together ; and, 
after that, shall need a further supply. 

The number of children in attendance at the 
four meetings which have been held, was three 
hundred and twenty-five ; and the number who 
subscribed to the pledge, was tvjo hundred and 
fifty-one. These meetings were all held in 
sparse neighborhoods, which we wish to be un- 
derstood, and it will be seen that the result has 
been very encouraging. 

When furnished with the means and facilities, 

and the range of meeting is extended to populous 

places, as well as others remote, doubtless the 

number will increase in a proportionate ratio. 
ID 



218 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

May not this project be a subject of considera- 
tion with the bishops and fathers of the church, 
for their countenance and encouragement, to »the 
more effectual prosecution of it ? 

I also held a children's meeting in the town 
of "Warren. The appointment met the appro- 
bation of the people generally, and the children 
were much pleased. From two schools in the 
neighborhood, sixty-five children assembled. I 
read the Scriptures and lectured to them. After 
which I offered them the pledge, and explained 
the benefits to be derived from their subscribing 
and adhering to it. Forty-eight of them signed. 
I found that there were some deep impressions 
made upon the minds of the children, and much 
satisfaction was expressed. And as I had no 
books, not having this meeting in view when I 
left home, the pastor of the church furnished me 
with a supply of useful tracts, which were dis- 
tributed among the children and the congre- 
gation. 

If this project were looked into and understood, 
it would be seen that the money of benevolent 
friends of the destitute cannot be put to any 
better use. And if the money were contrasted 
with the value of immortal souls, lucre would 
lose all consideration. 

In connection with this subject I will state 
the case of an orphan boy, thirteen years old, 
who was without learning, and who could but 
imperfectly read the Bible. By chance he hap- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 219 

pened to hear of the children's meeting, and 
made inquiry upon the subject He was told 
of the pledge, and of the number that had signed 
it Turning the matter over in his mind, he 
decided that it would likely terminate to his 
benefit to sign it. 

Accordingly, he came to my lodging, was in- 
troduced to me, expressing his wish to subscribe* 
I conversed with him on different subjects, and 
found that he was much given to swearing. In 
this particular he promised amendment, deter- 
mining to observe the conditions of the pledge 
all his life. He hence signed it 

Notwithstanding this boy had been destitute 
for a long time of parental instruction, and igno- 
rant of the Bible and the nature of religion, one 
evening he presented himself at the mourners' 
bench for prayers. I visited the house where he 
lived, and found him engaged in trying to peruse 
the Bible. I have no doubt that he was so far 
converted as to be changed from a state of igno- 
rance to a degree of useful knowledge, I left 
him with some very pleasant feelings, and could 
but think that this small beginning of good had 
been begun in a poor orphan child by the influ- 
ence of a children's meeting. 

Subsequently to writing the preceding account 
of my children's meetings, I published the two 
following communications in the Christian Advo- 
cate and Journal, New- York; they will further 
fexplain the subject 



220 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

EDUCATION. 

A PLAN FOR THE INSTRUCTION AND ELEVATION 
OF A CLASS OF CHILDREN. 

Messrs. Editors, — For several months past my 
mind has been engaged in devising some method 
for the instruction and improvement of children 
residing in those regions of country where there 
are many poor children who have not the benefit 
of sabbath schools. As I have traveled the few 
months past in different counties, and many 
towns, I have found numerous children entirely 
destitute of learning, and of the means of obtain- 
ing it. They are generally among the poorer 
class of society, and many of them very much 
neglected in consequence of intemperance. 

Looking over the juvenile portion of the com- 
munity, in connection with what God, in the 
Scriptures, has said in reference to them, and 
being well assured that they were capable of re- 
ceiving instruction, to their great benefit, if it 
could be afforded them, I finally came to the 
conclusion, that, by the help of God, I would try 
to do something in their behalf. 

I made my views and projects known to the 
friends in the city of New- York, who, like their 
Master, manifested their love to children, and 
readily supplied me with a sufficient amount of 
books to enable me to commence operations. 
My visitations thus far have been principally 
confined to sparsely settled districts. I will here 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 221 

give a short sketch of my plan. At a suitable 
place I invite the children, from sixteen years of 
age and under, to assemble at a place and time 
appointed. I insist upon punctuality. I first ask 
the question to the whole at once, " Who made 
you ?" I then proceed to give them such instruc- 
tion as I deem suitable to their age and capacity, 
being principally from the Scriptures. (See 
Exodus xx, and Proverbs iv.) 

After which I present them the following 
pledge to sign : " I solemnly and voluntarily for 
myself pledge, that I will never make use of any 
spirituous liquors, wine, strong beer, cider, to- 
bacco, or snuff, unless in case of extreme neces- 
sity." I accompany this pledge, of course, with 
suitable explanations and remarks. I also so- 
licit the public approval of any of the parents 
who may be present. 

Immediately after the matter of the pledge is 
disposed of, I distribute books among the chil- 
dren, and assign them lessons to commit, with 
some appropriate advice, and dismiss them, to 
assemble again in three months, when they are 
to recite their lessons. 

I have already attended six meetings of this 
kind, and have had four hundred and eighty- 
three children in attendance ; three hundred and 
eighty-seven of whom signed the pledge. I met 
one assembly of these children yesterday for the 
second time. The first meeting numbered fifty- 
five, the second eighty-one : this number signed 



222 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

the pledge, and three of the congregation. At 
this meeting, some children came from a distance, 
who were so poor that they had to borrow clothes, 
in order to make them appear decent. 

From what has already been done, and the 
approbation of the community, bestowed upon 
the project, and if the means can be raised, I am 
of opinion, that in one year one man may obtain 
five thousand pledges. As to the moral bearing 
of the scheme, perhaps to some it will appear 
like the promise made to Abraham, which in due 
time was fulfilled ; but is it not possible to sow 
good seed in the youthful mind, which will pre- 
vent bad principles and bad habits, by timely 
and proper cultivation! I conceive, therefore, 
that by this course impressions will be fixed in 
the mind that will take root, spring forth, and 
bear fruit to the glory of God and the happiness 
of men. A thousand things might be said in 
favor of this plan, but I forbear, hoping it will be 
considered by discerning minds. 

John Bangs. 

Maryland, Otsego county, N. Y., March 9, 1846. 

Messrs. Editors, — I wish to explain some of 
the beneficial results that have arisen from my 
labors in connection with the plan, a preliminary 
account of which you did me the honor to pub- 
lish in your number of March 25. From the 
knowledge I have, and the information received, 
it is probable that about three hundred have 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 223 

committed the twelfth chapter of Romans, and 
many of them the whole of the first number of 
the Wesleyan Catechism, so as to answer all the 
questions. In one family which I visited, three 
of the children were enabled to repeat this chap- 
ter to me, one of them being but five years of 
age. At one place where there were forty-four 
children present, forty of them signed the pledge. 
At this meeting there was observable a mani- 
festation of great interest and seriousness, both 
among the children and the congregation present. 
The parents and the community nobly sustained 
the project. Not long after this meeting, under 
the pastoral care of two faithful ministers on the 
circuit, the junior one more particularly, who 
had the charge of the children, many of the chil- 
dren were brought to inquire earnestly about the 
salvation of their souls. The excitement was so 
great at the district school of that place, that it 
was more than once turned into a prayer meet- 
ing. I had the pleasure of visiting this place, 
and was credibly informed that more than thirty 
persons had been hopefully converted. The 
most of these converts were under sixteen years of 
age. They were mostly youth of great promise. 
In the donation of books which I received last 
fall from New- York, I found written on the fly^ 
leaf of one, the direction, that it was to be pre- 
sented to the first young lady that experienced 
religion under my labors on this plan ; I shall 
geek her out and deliver the book as directed, so 



224 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

that books given in this manner can be readily 
disposed of, and I shall be glad to take the charge 
of further contributions of the sort. The persons 
who contribute to this enterprise by the donation 
of books, or otherwise, are to be designated by 
the name of the " Universal Benevolent Society 
for the Benefit of Destitute Children ;" and He 
who will reward for " a cup of cold water" will 
record their names. The only law of this so- 
ciety is love, which works no ill to our neighbor. 
This affair supersedes the necessity of a tract 
agent altogether. So far, I have been enabled to 
distribute to every person present in the meetings, 
a tract at least, each. This process has already 
spread useful knowledge where otherwise it 
never would have been known. 

John Bangs. 

March 25, 1846. 

With reference to this plan, I will just say in 
conclusion, that I have met with the most flatter- 
ing encouragement and success. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 225 



CHAPTER VI. 

VINDICATION OF THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN 
RELIGION. 

Introduction — Difficulty of the subject — Matters of fact re- 
corded of Christ true — Stress of the cause rests upon the proof 
of matters of fact — Division of the subject — The marks of the 
truth of matters of fact in general — These marks applied to the 
subject, and the argument commenced — Application — Four addi- 
tional marks — These marks stated, and the argument pursued 
— Recapitulation — Solemn address to the reader. 

A SHORT AND EASY METHOD WITH THE DEISTS, 
BY REV. CHARLES LESLIE, A. M. J RE-WRITTEN 
AND CONDENSED IN A MORE MODERN STYLE. 

Dear Sir, — You are desirous, you inform 
me, to receive from me some one topic of reason, 
which shall demonstrate the truth of the Chris- 
tian religion, and at the same time distinguish 
it from the impostures of Mohammed and the 
heathen deities ; that our Deists may be brought 
to this test, and be obliged either to renounce 
their reason, and the common reason of mankind, 
or to admit the clear proof, from reason, of the 
revelation of Christ $ which must be such a proof 
as no impostor can pretend to, otherwise it will 
not prove Christianity not to be an imposture. 
And you cannot but imagine, you add, that there 
must be such a proof, because every truth is in 
itself one : and therefore one reason for it, if it 
be a true reason, must be sufficient ; and if suf- 
ficient, better than many ; because multiplicity 
creates confusion, especially in weak judgments, 
10* 



226 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN HANGS. 

Sir, you have imposed a hard task upon me : 
I wish I could perform it. For, though every 
truth be one, yet our sight is so feeble that we 
cannot always come to it directly, but by many 
inferences and laying of things together. But I 
think that in the case before us there is such a 
proof as you desire, and I will set it down as 
shortly and as plainly as I can. 

I suppose, then, that the truth of the Christian 
doctrines will be sufficiently evinced, if the mat- 
ters of fact recorded of Christ in the Gospels are 
proved to be true ; for his miracles, if true, es- 
tablish the truth of what he delivered. The 
same may be said with regard to Moses. If he 
led the children of Israel through the Red Sea, 
and did such other wonderful things as are re- 
corded of him in the Book of Exodus, it must 
necessarily follow that he was sent by God ; these 
being the strongest evidences we can require, 
and which every Deist will confess he would 
admit, if he himself had witnessed their per- 
formance. So that the stress of this cause will 
depend upon the proof of these matters of fact. 

With a view, therefore, to this proof, I shall 
proceed : — 

1. To lay down such marks, as to the truth of 
matters of fact in general, that, where they all 
meet, such matters of fact cannot be false ; and, 

2. To show that they all do meet in the mat- 
ters of fact of Moses and of Christ ; and do not 
meet in those reported of Mohammed, and of the 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 227 

heathen deities, nor can possibly meet in any 
imposture whatsoever. 

I. The marks are these : — 

1. That the fact be such as men's outward 
senses can judge of. 

2. That it be performed publicly, in the pre- 
sence of witnesses. 

3. That there be public monuments and 
actions kept up in memory of it ; and, 

4. That such monuments and actions shall be 
established and commence at the time of the fact. 

The two first of these marks make it impossi- 
ble for any false fact to be imposed upon men, at 
the time when it was said to be done, because 
every man's senses would contradict it. For 
example : suppose I should pretend that yester- 
day I divided the Thames, in the presence of 
all the people of London, and led the whole city 
over to Southwark on dry land, the waters stand- 
ing like walls on each side : it would be morally 
impossible for me to convince the people of Lon- 
don that this was true, when every man, woman, 
and child could contradict me, and affirm that they 
had not seen the Thames so divided, nor been 
led over to Southwark on dry land. I take it, 
then, for granted, (and, I apprehend, with the 
allowance of all the Deists in the world,) that no 
such imposition could be put upon mankind, at 
the time when such matter of fact was said to be 
done. 

" But," it may be urged, " the fact might be in- 



228 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

vented when the men of that generation, in which 
it was said to be done, were all passed and gone ; 
and the credulity of after ages might be induced 
to believe that things had been performed in 
earlier times which had not !" 

From this the two latter marks secure us, as 
much as the two first in the former case. For 
whenever such a fact was invented, if it were 
stated that not only public monuments of it re- 
mained, but likewise that public actions or ob- 
servances had been kept up in memory of it ever 
since, the deceit must be detected by no such 
monuments appearing, and by the experience of 
every man, woman, and child, who must know 
that they had performed no such actions, and 
practiced no such observances. For example : 
suppose I should now fabricate a story of some- 
thing done a thousand years ago ; I might perhaps 
get a few persons to believe me ; but, if I were 
further to add, that from that day to this, every 
man, at the age of twelve years, had a joint of 
his little finger cut off in memory of it, and that, 
of course, every man then living actually wanted 
a joint of that finger, and vouched this institution 
in confirmation of its truth ; it would be morally 
impossible for me to gain credit in such a case, 
because every man then living would contradict 
me, as to the circumstance of cutting off a joint m 
of the finger ; and that being an essential part of 
my original matter of fact, must prove the whole 
to be false. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 229 

II. Let us now come to the second point, and 
show that all these marks do meet in the matters 
of fact of Moses, and of Christ ; and do not meet 
in those reported of Mohammed, and of the hea- 
then deities, nor can possibly meet in any impos- 
ture whatsoever. 

As to Moses, he, I take it for granted, could 
not have persuaded six hundred thousand men 
that he had brought them out of Egypt by the 
Red Sea, fed them forty years with miraculous 
manna, etc., if it had not been true ; because 
the senses of every man who was then alive 
would have contradicted him. So that here are 
the two first marks. 

For the same reason, it would have been equal- 
ly impossible for him to have made them receive 
his five books as true, which related all these 
things as done before their eyes, if they had not 
been so done. Observe how positively he speaks 
to them : " And know you this day, for I speak 
not with your children which have not known, 
and which have not seen the chastisement of the 
Lord your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, 
and his out-stretched arm, and his miracles ; but 
your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord, 
which he did." Deut. xi, 2-7. Hence we must 
admit it to be impossible that these books, if 
written by Moses in support of an imposture, 
could have been put upon the people who were 
alive at the time when such things were said to 
be done. 



230 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

" But they might have been written," it might 
be urged, " in some age after Moses, and pub- 
lished as his." 

To this I reply, that if it were so, it was im- 
possible they should have been received as such ; 
because they speak of themselves as delivered 
by Moses, and kept in the ark from his time, 
Deut. xxxi, 24-26 ; and state that a copy of them 
was likewise deposited in the hands of the king, 
" that he might learn to fear the Lord his God, 
to keep all the words of this law, and these sta- 
tutes, to do them." Deut. xvii, 19. Here these 
books expressly represent themselves as being 
not only the civil history, but also the established 
municipal law of the Jews, binding the king as 
well as the people. In whatever age, therefore, 
after Moses, they might have been forged, it 
was impossible they should have gained any 
credit, because they could not then have been 
found either in the ark or with the king, or any- 
where else ; and, when they were first published, 
everybody must know that they had never heard 
of them before. And they could still less re- 
ceive them as their book of statutes, and the 
standing law of the land, by which they had all 
along been governed. Could any man, at this 
day, invent a set of acts of parliament for Eng- 
land, and make it pass upon the nation as the 
only book of statutes which they had ever known ? 
As impossible was it for these books, if written 
in any age after Moses, to have been received 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 281 

for what they declare themselves to be ; that is, 
the municipal law of the Jews ; and for any man 
to have persuaded that people that they had own- 
ed them as their code of statutes from the time 
of Moses, that is, before they had ever heard of 
them ! Nay more : they must instantly have 
forgotten their former laws, if they could receive 
these books as such; and as such only could 
they receive them, because such they vouched 
themselves to be ! Let me ask the Deists but one 
short question : Was a book of sham laws ever 
palmed upon any nation since the world began? 
If not, with what face can they say this of the 
law books of the Jews ? Why will they affirm 
that of them, which they admit never to have 
happened in any other instance ? 

But they must be still more unreasonable. 
For the books of Moses have an ampler demon- 
stration of their truth than even other law books 
have ; as they not only contain the laws them- 
selves, but give an historical account of their in- 
stitution and regular fulfillment : of the passover, 
for instance, in memory of their supernatural 
protection upon the slaying of the first-born of 
Egypt ; the dedication of the first-born of Israel, 
both of man and beast; the preservation of 
Aaron's rod which budded, of the pot of manna, 
and of the brazen serpent, which remained till 
the days of Hezekiah. 2 Kings xviii, 4, etc. 
And besides these memorials of particular occur- 
rences, there were other solemn observances, in 



232 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN EANGS. 

general memory of their deliverance out of Egypt, 
etc., as their annual expiations, their new moons, 
their sabbaths, and their ordinary sacrifices ; so 
that there were yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily 
recognitions of these things. The same books, 
likewise, further inform us, that the tribe of Levi 
were appointed and consecrated by God as his 
ministers, by whom alone these institutions were 
to be celebrated ; that it was death for any others 
to approach the altar ; that their high priest wore 
a brilliant mitre and magnificent robes, with the 
miraculous Urim and Thummim in his breast- 
plate ; that at his word all the people were to go 
out, and to come in ; that these Levites were also 
their judges, even in all civil causes, and that it 
was death to resist their sentence. Deut. xvii, 
8-13 ; 1 Chron. xxiii, 4. 

Hence, too, in whatever age after Moses they 
might have been forged, it was impossible they 
should have gained any credit ; unless, indeed, 
the fabricators could have made the whole nation 
believe, in spite of their invariable experience to 
the contrary, that they had received these books 
long before from their fathers ; had been taught 
them when they were children, and had taught 
them to their own children ; that they had been 
circumcised themselves, had circumcised their 
families, and uniformly observed their whole 
minute detail of sacrifices and ceremonies ; that 
they had never eaten any swine's flesh, or other 
prohibited meats ; that they had a splendid taber- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 233 

nacle, with a regular priesthood to administer in 
it ; confined to one particular tribe, and a super- 
intendent high priest, whose death alone could 
deliver those that had fled to the cities of refuge ; 
that these priests were their ordinary judges, even 
in civil matters, &c. But this would surely have 
been impossible, if none of these things had been 
practiced ; and it would, consequently, have been 
impossible to circulate, as true, a set of books 
which affirmed that they had practiced them, 
and upon that practice rested their own preten- 
sions to acceptance. So that here are the two 
latter marks. " But," to advance to the utmost 
degree of supposition, it may be urged, " these 
things might have been practiced prior to this 
alledged forgery ; and those books only deceived 
the nation, by making them believe that they 
were practiced in memory of such and such oc- 
currences as were then invented !" 

In this hypothesis, however groundless, the 
same impossibilities press upon our notice as 
before. For it implies that the Jews had pre- 
viously kept these observances in memory of 
nothing, or without knowing why they kept them ; 
whereas, in all their particulars, they strikingly 
express their original ; as the Passover, instituted 
in memory of God's passing over the children 
of the Israelites, when he slew the first-born of 
Egypt, &c. 

Let us admit, however contrary both to pro- 
bability and to matter of fact, that they did not 



234 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

know why they kept these observances ; yet, was 
it possible to persuade them that they were kept 
in memory of something which they had never 
heard of before ? For example : suppose I 
should now forge some romantic story of strange 
things done a long while ago ; and, in confirma- 
tion of this, should endeavor to convince the 
Christian world that they had regularly, from 
that period to this, kept holy the first day of the 
week, in memory of such or such a man, as 
Ceesar, or a Mohammed, and had all been bap- 
tized in his name, and sworn by it upon the 
very book which I had then fabricated, and 
which, of course, they had never seen before 
in their public courts of judicature ; that this 
book likewise contained their laws, civil and 
ecclesiastical, which they had ever since his time 
acknowledged, and no oth6r. I ask any Deist, 
whether he thinks it possible that such a cheat 
could be received as the gospel of Christians, or 
not ? The same reason holds with regard to the 
books of Moses, and must hold with regard to 
every book which contains matters of fact ac- 
companied by the above-mentioned four marks. 
For these marks, together, secure mankind from 
imposition with regard to any false fact, as well 
in after ages, as at the time when it was said to 
be done. 

Let me produce, as another and a familiar 
illustration, the Stonehenge of Salisbury Plain. 
Almost everybody has seen or heard of it ; and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 235 

yet nobody knows by whom, or in memory of 
what, it was set up. 

Now, suppose I should write a book to-morrow, 
and state in it that these huge stones were erected 
by a Caesar or a Mohammed, in memory of such 
and such of their actions ; and should further 
add, that this book was written at the time when 
those actions were performed, and by the doers 
themselves, or by eye-witnesses ; and had been 
constantly received as true, and quoted by authors 
of the greatest credit in regular succession ever 
since ; that it was well known in England, and 
even enjoined by act of Parliament to be taught 
our children ; and that we accordingly did teach 
it to our children, and had been taught it our- 
selves when we were children ; would this, I 
demand of any Deist, pass current in England ? 
Or, rather, should not I, or any other person 
who might insist upon its reception, instead of 
being believed, be considered insane ? 

Let us compare, then, this rude structure with 
the Stonehenge, as I may call it, or "twelve 
stones," set up at Gilgal. Joshua iv, 6. It is 
there said that the reason why they were set up 
was, that when the children of the Jews, in after 
ages, should ask their meaning, it should be told 
them. chap, iv, 20-22. And the thing in me- 
mory of which they were set up, the passage 
over Jordan, was such as could not possibly have 
been imposed upon that people at the time when 
it was said to be done ; it was not less miracu- 



236 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

lous, and from the previous notice, preparations, 
and other striking circumstances of its perform- 
ance, (Joshua iii, 5, 15,) still more unassailable 
by the petty cavils of infidel sophistry, than their 
passage through the Red Sea. 

Now, to form our argument, let us suppose 
that there never was any such thing as that 
passage over Jordan ; that these stones at Gilgal 
had been set up on some unknown occasion ; 
and that some designing man, in an after age, 
invented this book of Joshua, affirmed that it 
was written at the time of that imaginary event 
by Joshua himself, and adduced this pile of 
stones as a testimony of its truth; would not 
everybody say to him, " We know this pile very 
well, but we never before heard of this reason for 
it, nor of this book of Joshua. Where has it lain 
concealed all this while ? And where and how 
came you, after so long a period, to find it ? Be- 
sides, it informs us that this passage over Jordan 
was solemnly directed to be taught our children 
from age to age ; and to that end, that they were 
always to be instructed in the meaning of this 
particular monument: but we were never taught 
it ourselves when we were children, nor did we 
ever teach it to our children. And it is in the 
highest degree improbable that such an emphatic 
ordinance should have been forgotten during the 
continuance of so remarkable a pile of stones, 
set up expressly for the purpose of preserving its 
remembrance." If, then, for these reasons, no 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 237 

such fabrication could be put upon us, as to the 
stones in Salisbury Plain, how much less could 
it succeed as to the stonage at GilgaU If, where 
we are ignorant of the true origin of a mere 
naked monument, such a sham origin cannot be 
imposed, how much less practicable would it be 
to impose upon us in actions and observances, 
which we celebrate in memory of what we 
actually know; to make us forget what we 
have regularly commemorated ; and to persuade 
us that we have constantly kept such and such 
institutions, with reference to something which 
we never heard of before ; that is, that we knew 
something before we knew it ! And, if we find 
it thus impossible to practice deceit, even in 
cases which have not the above four marks, how 
much more impossible must it be that any deceit 
should be practiced in cases in which all these 
four marks meet ? 

In the matters of fact of Christ likewise, as 
well as in those of Moses, these four marks are 
to be found. The reasoning, indeed, which has 
been already advanced with respect to the Old 
Testament, is generally applicable to the New. 
The miracles of Christ, like those of Moses, were 
such as men's ouUvard senses could judge of; 
and were performed publicly, in the presence of 
those to whom the history of them, contained in 
the gospel, was addressed. And it is related, 
that "about three thousand" at one time, (Acts 
ii, 41,) and about "five thousand" at another, 



238 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS* 

(Acts iv, 4,) were converted, in consequence of 
what they themselves saw and heard, in matters 
where it was impossible that they should have 
been deceived. Here, therefore, were the two 
first marks. 

And with regard to the two latter, baptism 
and the Lord's supper were instituted as memo- 
rials of certain things, not in after ages, but at 
the time when these things were said to be done ; 
and have been strictly observed, from that time 
to this, without interruption. Christ himself also 
ordained apostles, &c, to preach and administer 
his ordinances, and to govern his church " even 
unto the end of the world." Now, the Christian 
ministry is as notorious a matter of fact among 
us as the setting apart of the tribe of Levi was 
among the Jews ; and as the era and object of 
their appointment are part of the gospel narra- 
tive, if that narrative had been a fiction of some 
subsequent age, at the time of its fabrication no 
such order of men could have been found, which 
would have effectually given the lie to the whole 
story. And the truth of the matters of fact of 
Christ being no otherwise asserted than as there 
were at the time (whenever the Deist will sup- 
pose the gospel to have been fabricated) public 
ordinances, and a public ministry of his insti- 
tution to dispense them ; and it being impossible, 
upon this hypothesis, that there could be any 
such things then in existence, we must admit it 
to be equally impossible that the forgery should 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 239 

have been successful. Hence it was as impos- 
sible to deceive mankind, in respect to these 
matters of fact, by inventing them in after 
ages, as at the time when they were said to be 
done. 

The matters of fact reported of Mohammed, 
and of the heathen deities, do all want some of 
these four marks by which the certainty of facts 
is established. Mohammed himself, as he tells 
us in his Koran, (6, &c.) pretended to no mira- 
cles ; and those which are commonly related of 
him pass, even among his followers, for ridicu- 
lous legends, and as such are rejected by their 
scholars and philosophers. They have not either 
of the two first marks ; for his converse with the 
moon, his night journey from Mecca to Jeru- 
salem, and thence to heaven, &c, were not 
performed before any witnesses, nor was the tour, 
indeed, of a nature to admit human attestation ; 
and to the two latter they do not even affect to 
advance any claim. 

The same may be affirmed, with little varia- 
tion, of the stories of the heathen deities ; of 
Mercury's stealing sheep, Jupiter's transforming 
himself into a bull, &c. ; besides the absurdity 
of such degrading and profligate adventures. 
And, accordingly, we find that the more en- 
lightened pagans themselves considered them as 
fables involving a mystical meaning, of which 
several of their writers have endeavored to give 
us the explication. It is true, these gods had 



240 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

their priests, their feasts, their games, and other 
public ceremonies ; but all these want the fourth 
mark, of commencing at the time when the things 
which they commemorate were said to have 
been done. Hence they cannot secure mankind, 
in subsequent ages, from imposture, as they fur- 
nish no internal means of detection at the period 
of the forgery. The Bacchanalia, for example, 
and other heathen festivals, were established long 
after the events to which they refer ; and the 
priests of Juno, Mars, &c, were not ordained by 
those imaginary deities, but appointed by others 
in some after age, and are, therefore, no evidence 
to the truth of their preternatural achievements. 

To apply what has been said : — 

"We may challenge all the Deists in the world 
to show any fabulous action accompanied by these 
four marks. The thing is impossible. The his- 
tories of the Old and New Testament never could 
have been received, if they had not been true ; 
because the priesthoods of Levi and of Christ, 
the observance of the sabbath, the passover and 
circumcision, and the ordinances of baptism and 
the Lord's supper, &c, are there represented as de- 
scending uninterruptedly from the times of their 
respective institution. And it would have been 
as impossible to persuade men in after ages, that 
they had been circumcised or baptized, and cele- 
brated passovers, sabbaths, and other ordinances, 
under the ministration of a certain order of priests, 
if they had done none of these things, as to make 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 241 

them believe at the time, without any real founda- 
tion, that they had gone through seas on dry land, 
seen the dead raised, etc. But without such a 
persuasion, it was impossible that either the law 
or the gospel could have been received. And 
the truth of the matters of fact of each being no 
otherwise asserted than as such public ceremo- 
nies had been previously practiced, this certainly 
is established upon the full conviction of the 
senses of mankind. 

I do not say that everything which wants these 
four marks is false ; but that everything which has 
them all must be true. 

I can have no doubt that there was such a 
man as Julius Caesar, that he conquered at Phar- 
salia, and was killed in the senate-house, though 
neither his actions nor assassination be com- 
memorated by any public observances. But this 
shows that the matters of fact of Moses and 
Christ have come down to us better certified than 
any other whatsoever. And yet our Deists, who 
would consider any one as hopelessly irrational 
that should offer to deny the existence of Caesar, 
value themselves as the only men of profound 
sense and judgment, for ridiculing the histories 
of Moses and Christ, though guarded by infallible 
marks, which that of Caesar wants. 

Besides, the nature of the subject would of 

itself lead to a more minute examination of the 

one than of the other ; for of what consequence is 

it to me or to the world, whether there ever was 

11 



242 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

such a man as Caesar? whether he conquered 
at Pharsalia, and was killed at the senate-house, 
or not ? But our eternal welfare is concerned 
in the truth of what is recorded in the Scriptures ; 
whence they would naturally be more narrowly 
scrutinized when proposed for acceptance. 

How unreasonable, then, is it to reject matters 
of fact, so important, so sifted, and so attested ; 
and yet to think it absurd, even to madness, to 
deny other matters of fact, which have not the 
thousandth part of their evidence, have had com- 
paratively little investigation, and are of no con- 
sequence at all ! 

Ta the preceding four marks, which are com- 
mon to the matters of fact of Moses and of Christ, 
I subjoin four additional marks ; the three last 
of which, no matter of fact, how true soever, either 
has had, or can have, except that of Christ. This 
will obviously appear, if it be considered, 

5. That the book which relates the facts con- 
tains likewise the laws of the people to whom it 
belongs. 

6. That Christ was previously announced, for 
that very period, by a long train of prophecies ; 
and, 

7. Still more peculiarly prefigured by types^ 
both of a circumstantial and personal nature, 
from the earliest ages ; and, 

8. That the facts of Christianity are such as 
to make it impossible for either their relators or 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 243 

hearers to believe them, if false, without sup- 
posing a universal deception of the senses of 
mankind, 

The fifth mark, which has been subordinately 
discussed above in such a manner as to super- 
sede the necessity of dwelling upon it here, 
renders it impossible for any one to have imposed 
such a book upon any people. For example : 
suppose I should forge a code of laws for Great 
Britain, and publish it next term, could I hope 
to persuade the judges, lawyers, and people, that 
this- was their genuine statute book, by which all 
their causes had been determined in the public 
courts for so many centuries past ? Before they 
could be brought to this, they must totally forget 
their established laws, which they had so labori- 
ously committed to memory, and so familiarly 
quoted in every day's practice — and believe that 
this new book, which they had never seen before, 
was that old book which had been pleaded so 
long in Westminster Hall, which has been so 
often printed, and of which the originals are now 
so carefully preserved in the Tower. 

This applies strongly to the books of Moses, 
in which not only the history of the Jews, but 
likewise their whole law, secular and ecclesiasti- 
cal, was contained. And though, from the early 
extension, and destined universality of the Chris- 
tian system, it could not, without unnecessary 
confusion, furnish a uniform civil code to all its 
various followers, who were already under the 



244 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

government of laws in some degree adapted to 
their respective climates and characters, yet was 
it intended as the spiritual guide of the new 
church. And, in this respect, this mark is still 
stronger with regard to the gospel than even to 
the books of Moses ; inasmuch as it is easier 
(however hard) to imagine the substitution of an 
entire statute book in one particular nation, than 
that all the nations of Christendom should have 
unanimously conspired in the forgery ; but with- 
out such a conspiracy such a forgery could never 
have succeeded, as the gospel universally formed 
a regular part of their daily public offices. 

But I hasten to the sixth mark, namely, 
prophecy. 

The great fact of Christ's coming was pre- 
viously announced to the Jews, in the Old Tes- 
tament, "by all the holy prophets, which have 
been since the world began." Luke i, 70. 

The first promise upon the subject was made 
to Adam, immediately after the fall. Gen. iii, 15. 
Compare Col. ii, 15, and Hebrews ii, 14. 

He was again repeatedly promised to Abra- 
ham, (Gen. xii, 3; xviii, 18 j xxii, 18; GaL iii, 
16,) to Isaac, (Gen. xxvi, 4,) and to Jacob, (Gen. 
xxviii, 14.) 

Jacob expressly prophesied of Him, under the 
appellation of " Shiloh," or Him that ivas to be 
sent Gen. xlix, 10. Balaam also, with the voice 
of inspiration, pronounced Him the " Star of 
Jacob, and the Sceptre of Israel." Num. xxiv, 17. 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 245 

Moses spake of Him as one " greater than him- 
self;' Dent, xviii, 15, 18, 19 ; Acts iii, 22. And 
Daniel hailed his arrival under the name of 
" Messiah the Prince." Chap, ix, 25, 

It was foretold that he should be born of a 
virgin, (Isa. vii, 14,) in the city of Bethlehem, 
(Micah v, 2,) of the seed of Jesse ; (Isa. xi, 1, 10 ;) 
that he should lead a life of poverty and suffer- 
ing (Psalm xxii) inflicted upon himself, not " for 
himself," (Dan. ix, 26,) but for the sins of others ; 
(Isa. liii ;) and, after a short confinement in the 
grave, should rise again ; (Psalm xvi, 10 ; Acts 
ii, 27, 31 ; xiii, 35-37;) that he " should sit upon 
the throne of David for ever," and be called " the 
mighty God," (Isa. ix, 6, 7,) "the Lord our 
righteousness," (Jer. xxxiii, 16,) " Immanuel, that 
is, God with us ;" ( Isa. vii, 14 ; Matt i, 23 ;) and by 
David himself, whose son he was according to the 
flesh,"Lord," (Psa.cx,l;) applied to Christ by him- 
self, (Matt, xxii, 44;) and by Peter, (Acts ii, 34.) 

The time of his incarnation was to be before 
"the sceptre should depart from Judah" (Gen. 
xlix, 10,) during the continuance of the second 
temple, (Haggai ii, 7, 9,) and within seventy 
weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, that is, 
according to the constant interpretation of pro- 
phecy, four hundred and ninety years from its 
erection. Dan. ix, 24. 

From these and many other predictions, the 
coming of Christ was at all times the general 
expectation of the Jews ; and fully matured at 



246 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

the time of his actual advent, as may be inferred 
from the number of false Messiahs who appeared 
about that period. 

That he was likewise the expectation of the 
Gentiles, (in conformity to the prophecies of Gen. 
xlix, 10, and Haggai ii, 7, where the terms 
" people," and " nations/' denote the heathen 
world,) is evinced by the coming of the wise 
men from the east, etc. ; a story which would of 
course have been contradicted by some of the 
individuals so disgracefully concerned in it, if 
the fact of their arrival, and the consequent 
massacre of the infants in and about Bethlehem, 
had not been fresh in every one's memory : by 
them, for instance, who afterward suborned false 
witnesses against Christ, and gave large money 
to the soldiers to conceal, if possible, the event 
of his resurrection; or them who, in still later 
days, everywhere zealously u spake against " the 
tenets- and practices of his rising church. 

All over the east, indeed, there was a general 
tradition, that about that time a King of the 
Jews would be born, who should govern the 
whole earth. This prevailed so strongly at Rome, 
a few months before the birth of Augustus, that 
the senate made a<decree to expose all the children 
born that year ; but the execution of it was eluded 
by a trick of some of the senators, wlio, from the 
pregnancy of their wives, were led to hope that 
they might be the fathers of the promised Prince. 
Its currency is also recorded with a remarkable 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 247 

identity of phrase, by the pens of Suetonius and 
Tacitus. Now that in this there was no collu- 
sion between the Chaldeans, Romans, and Jews, 
is sufficiently proved by the desperate methods 
suggested, or carried into effect, for its discom- 
fiture. Nor in fact is it practicable for whole 
nations of contemporary (and still less, if possi- 
ble, for those of successive) generations, to con- 
cert a story perfectly harmonious in all its 
minute accompaniments of time, place, manner, 
and other circumstances. 

In addition to the above general predictions 
of the coming, life, death, and resurrection of 
Christ, there are others which foretell still more 
strikingly several particular incidents of the gos- 
pel narrative ; instances unparalleled in the whole 
range of history, and which could have been 
foreseen by God alone. They were certainly 
not foreseen by the human agents concerned in 
their execution, or they would never have con- 
tributed to the fulfillment of prophecies referred 
even by themselves to the Messiah, and, there- 
fore, verifying the divine mission of Him whom 
they crucified as an impostor. 

Observe, then, how literally many of these 
predictions were fulfilled. For example: read 
Psalm lxix, 21, " They gave me gall to eat, and 
vinegar to drink ;" and compare Matthew xxvii, 
34, " They gave him vinegar to drink, mingled 
with gall." Again, it is said, Psalm xxii, 16-18, 
" They pierced my hands and my feet. They part 



248 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

my garments among them, and cast lots upon 
my vesture;" as if it had been written after 
John xix, 23, 24. It is predicted, likewise, ( Zech. 
xii, 10,) " They shall look upon me whom they 
have pierced ;" and we are told, (John xix, 34,) 
that " one of the soldiers, with a spear, pierced 
his side." 

Compare also Psalm xxii, 7, 8, " All they that 
see me laugh me to scorn ; they shoot out their 
lips, and shake their heads, saying, He trusted 
in God that he would deliver him ; let him de- 
liver him if he will have him f with Matt, xxvii, 
39, 41, 43, " And they that passed by reviled him, 
wagging their heads, and saying, Come down 
from the cross. Likewise, also, the chief priests, 
mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 
He trusted in God : let him deliver him now if 
he will have him ; for he said, I am the Son of 
God." His very price, and the mode of laying 
out the money, previously specified, ( Zech. xi, 13,) 
are historically stated by Matthew, in perfect cor- 
respondence with the prophet ; chap, xxvii, 6, 7. 
And his riding into Jerusalem upon an ass, pre- 
dicted Zech. ix, 9, (and referred by one of the 
most learned of the Jewish rabbis to the Mes- 
siah,) is recorded by the same inspired historian, 
chap, xxi, 5. Lastly, it was foretold, that " He 
should make his grave with the wicked, and with 
the rich in his death ;" (Isa. liii, 9 ;) or, as Dr. 
Lowth translates the passage, " His grave was 
appointed with the wicked; but with the rich 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 249 

man was his tomb ;" which prediction was pre- 
cisely verified by the very improbable incidents 
of his being crucified between two thieves, (Matt, 
xxvii, 38,) and afterward laid in the tomb of the 
rich man of Arimathea. Matt, xxvii, 57, 60. 

Thus do the prophecies of the Old Testament, 
without variation or ambiguity, refer to the 
person and character of Christ. His own pre- 
dictions, in the New, demand a few brief 
observations. 

Those relating to the destruction of Jerusalem, 
which specified that it should be " laid even with 
the ground," and " not one stone be left upon 
another," (Luke ix, 44,) " before that generation 
passed," (Matt, xxiv, 34,) were fulfilled in a most 
surprisingly literal manner, the very foundations 
of the temple being ploughed up by Turnus 
Rufus. In another remarkable prophecy, he an- 
nounced the many false Messiahs that should 
come after him, and the ruin in which their fol- 
lowers should be involved. Matt, xxiv, 24-26. 
That great numbers actually assumed that holy 
character before the final fall of the city, and led 
the people into the wilderness to their destruction, 
we learn from Josephus's Antiq. Jud. xviii, 12 ; 
xx, 6 ; and Bella Judda, viii, 31. Nay, such was 
their wretched infatuation, that under this de- 
lusion they rejected the offers of Titus, who 
courted them to peace. Id. Bella Judda, vii, 12. 
It will be sufficient barely to mention his fore- 
telling the dispersion of that unhappy nation, 
11* 



250 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

and the triumph of his gospel over the gates of 
hell, under every possible disadvantage — himself 
low and despised, his immediate associates only- 
twelve, and those illiterate and unpolished ; and 
his adversaries the allied powers, prejudices, 
habits, interests, and appetites of mankind. 

But the seventh mark is still more peculiar, 
if possible, to Christ, than even that of prophecy. 
For whatever may be weakly pretended with 
regard to the oracular predictions of Delphi or 
Dudona, the heathens never affected to prefigure 
any future event by types, or resemblances of 
the fact, consisting of analogies either in indi- 
viduals, or in sensible institutions, directed to be 
continued till the antitype itself should make its 
appearance. 

These types, in the instance of Christ, were of 
a two-fold nature, circumstantial and personal. 
Of the former kind, (not to notice the general 
rite of sacrifice,) may be produced as examples : 

1. The Passover, appointed in memory of that 
great night, when the destroying angel, who 
" slew all the first-born of Egypt" passed over 
those houses upon whose door-posts the blood 
of the paschal lamb was sprinkled ; and directed 
to be eaten with what the apostle (1 Cor. v, 7, 8) 
calls, " the unleavened bread of sincerity and 
truth." 

2. The annual expiation, in two respects ; first, 
as the high priest entered into the Holy of Holies 
(representing heaven, Exod. xxv, 40 ; Heb. ix, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 251 

24) with the blood of the sacrifice, whose body 
was burnt without the camp, " wherefore Jesus 
also, that he might sanctify the people with his 
own blood, suffered without the gate;" (Heb. 
xiii, 12 ;) and " after he had offered one sacri- 
fice for sin, for ever sat down at the right hand 
of God;" (Heb. x, 12;) and, secondly, as "all 
the iniquity of the children of Israel was put 
upon the head" of the scape goat. Lev. xvi, 21. 

3. The brazen serpent, by looking up to 
which the people were cured of the stings of the 
fiery serpents ; and whose lifting up was, by 
Christ himself, interpreted as emblematical of his 
being lifted up on the cross. John iii, 14. 

4. The manna, which represented " the bread 
of life that came down from heaven." John vi, 
31-35. 

5. The rock whence the waters flowed, to sup- 
ply drink in the wilderness ; " and that rock was 
Christ." 1 Cor. x, 4. 

6. The, sabbath, " a shadow of Christ," (Col. 
ii, 16, 17,) and, as a figure of his eternal rest, 
denominated, " a sign of the perpetual covenant." 
Exod. xxxi, 16, 17 ; Ezek. xx, 12, 20. And lastly, 
to omit others, 

The temple, where alone the shadowy sacri- 
fices were to be offered, because Christ, "the 
body," was to be offered there himself. 

Of personal types, likewise, I shall confine 
myself to such as are so considered in the New 
Testament. 



252 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

1. Adam, between whom and Christ a striking 
series of relations is remarked. Rom. v, 12-21 ; 
and 1 Cor. xv, 45-49. 

2. Noah, who was " saved by water ;" the 
like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth now 
save us, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 
1 Peter iii, 20, 21. 

3. Melchisedec, king of Salem, who was made 
" like unto the Son of God, a priest continually." 
Heb, vii, 3. 

4. Abraham,, " the heir of the world," (Rom. 
iv, 13,) " in whom all the nations of the earth 
were blessed." Gen. xviii, 18. 

5. Isaac, in his birth and intended sacrifice, 
whence also his father received him in a figure, 
(Heb. xi, 19,) that is, of the resurrection of Christ. 
He, too, was the promised seed, (Gen. xxi, 12, 
and Gal. iii, 16,) in whom all the nations of the 
earth were to be blessed. Gen. xxii, 18. 

6. Jacob, in his vision of the ladder, (Gen. 
xxviii, 12, and John i, 51,) and his wrestling 
with the angel; whence he, and after him the 
church, obtained the name of Israel. Gen. xxxii, 
28, and Matthew xi, 21. The Gentile world, 
like Jacob, gained the blessing and heirship from 
their elder brethren, the Jews. 

7. Moses, (Deut. xviii, 18, and John i, 45,) 
in redeeming the children of Israel out of 
Egypt. 

8. Joshua, called also Jesus, (Heb. iv, 8,) in 
acquiring for them the possession of the Holy 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 253 

Land, and as lieutenant to the " Captain of the 
host of the Lord." Josh, v, 14. 

9. David, (Psalm xvi, 10, and Acts ii, 25-35,) 
upon whose throne Christ is said to sit, (Isaiah 
ix, 7,) and by whose name he is frequently desig- 
nated, (Hos. iii, 5, &c.) in his pastoral, regal, and 
prophetical capacity. 

10. Jonah, in his dark imprisonment of three 
days, applied by Christ to himself. Matt, xii, 40. 

The eighth mark is, that the facts of Chris- 
tianity are such as to make it impossible for 
either the relators or the hearers to believe them, 
if false, without supposing a universal deception 
of the senses of mankind. 

For they were related by the doers, or by 
eye-witnesses, to those who themselves likewise 
either were, or might have been present, and 
undoubtedly knew many that were present at 
their performance. To this circumstance, in- 
deed, both Christ and his apostles often appeal. 
And they were of such a nature as wholly to 
exclude every chance of imposition. What 
juggler could have given sight to him " that 
was born blind ;" have fed five thousand hungry 
guests with " five loaves and two fishes ;" or have 
raised one that had been "four days buried " 
from his grave ? 

"When, then, we add to this, that none of the 
Jewish or Roman persecutors of Christianity, to 
whom its first teachers frequently referred as 
witnesses of these facts, ever ventured to deny 



254 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

them ; that no apostate disciple, under the fear 
of punishment, or hope of reward, not even the 
artful and accomplished Julian himself, ever pre- 
tended to detect them ; that neither learning nor 
ingenuity, in the long lapse of so many years, 
has been able to show their falsehood ; though, 
for the first three centuries after their promulga- 
tion the civil government strongly stimulated 
hostile inquiry ; and that their original relators, 
after lives of unintermitted hardship, joyfully in- 
curred death in defense of their truth — we can- 
not imagine the possibility of a more perfect or 
abundant demonstration. 

It now rests with the Deists, if they would 
vindicate their claim to the self-bestowed title of 
" men of reason," to adduce some matters of fact 
of former ages, which they allow to be true, pos- 
sessing evidence superior, or even similar, to those 
of Christ. This, however, it must at the same 
time be observed, would be far from proving the 
matters of fact respecting Christ to be false ; but 
certainly, without this, they cannot reasonably 
assert that their own facts alone, so much less 
powerfully attested, are true. 

Let them produce their Caesar, or Mohammed. 

1. Performing a fact, of which men's outward 
senses can judge ; 

2. Publicly, in the presence of witnesses ; 

3. In memory of which public monuments 
and actions are kept up ; 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 255 

4. Instituted and commencing at the time of 
the fact ; 

5. Recorded, likewise, in a set of books, ad- 
dressed to the identical people before whom 
it was peformed, and containing their whole 
code of civil and ecclesiastical laws ; 

6. As the work of one previously announced 
for that very period, by a long train of pro- 
phecies ; 

7. And still more peculiarly prefigured by 
types, both of a circumstantial and personal 
nature, from the earliest ages ; and, 

8. Of such a character as made it impossible 
for either the relators or hearers to believe it, if 
false, without supposing a universal deception of 
the senses of mankind. 

Further; let them display, in its professed 
eye-witnesses, similar proofs of veracity; in some 
doctrines founded upon it, and unaided by force 
and intrigue, a like triumph over the prejudices 
and passions of mankind ; among its believers 
equal skill and equal diligence in scrutinizing 
its evidences, or let them submit to the irresisti- 
ble certainty of the Christian religion. 

And now, reader, solemnly consider what that 
religion is, the truth of which is proved by so 
many decisive marks. It is a declared revelation 
from God; pronounces all men guilty in his 
sight ; proclaims pardon as his free gift, through 
the meritorious righteousness, sacrifice, and in- 



256 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

tercession of his only Son, to all who trust alone 
in his mercy and grace, cordially repenting and 
forsaking their sins ; requires fervent love, ardent 
zeal, and cordial submission toward himself, and 
the, highest degree of personal purity and tem- 
perance, with rectitude and benevolence toward 
others ; and offers the aid of the Holy Spirit for 
these purposes to all who sincerely ask it 
Consider, this religion is the only true one, and 
while it promises peace on earth and eternal 
happiness to all who do receive and obey it, it 
denounces everlasting destruction against all 
who do not. It is vain for you to admit its truth, 
iinless you receive it as your confidence, and 
obey it as your rule. Study r then, embrace it 
for yourself; and may the God of love and 
peace be with you. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 257 

CHAPTER VII. 

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 

Preliminary remarks — Must let God's word speak — Quota- 
tions from Scripture, with accompanying comments, descrip- 
tive of the church — What is necessary to* be constituted mem- 
bers of the church — Qualification of holiness — The argument — 
God is holy — All that proceeds from Him must be like him — 
None can be in union with Him but those that are holy — A 
lengthy question and answer — Exposition of our views — Con- 
clusion — Summary entrance into chapter eight. 

In the first place, we wish to prove by Scrip- 
ture, and other evidence, that the work of reforma- 
tion must not only be begun in the heart and 
life, but must be carried on — First, to the glory of 
justification, or the being acquitted from past 
transgression. Second, to receive the washing 
of regeneration, which may be said to be the 
second glory. Inasmuch as the apostle has said 
that we may be changed from glory to glory, we 
infer that we may go from this to the highest 
degree. He has also said that he went him- 
self to the third heavens. The third glory may 
be said to be renewed wholly by the Holy Ghost. 
After all this experience, the apostle says, " Let 
us go on to perfection." We conceive that the 
apostle had reference to the perfection of know- 
ledge and love, which are the two great prin- 
ciples that constitute the Christian character. 
Consequently the further we advance in this 
useful science, the more we shall imitate him 



258 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

who is in his doctrine and example the best 
model that can be produced. We are required 
to have the mind that was in Christ, and to walk 
as he walked^ as a man. 

Now, under a view of our own inability and 
insufficiency, we enter upon a subject of great 
importance with much fear and trembling, and 
we shall begin with what -God himself has said 
respecting his own church, and continue to let 
his word speak in support of this doctrine to the 
end. 

" Thy testimonies are very sure ; holiness be- 
cometh thy house, O Lord, for ever !" Psa. xciii, 
5. The house here we conceive to mean the 
church : " But Christ, as a son over his own house, 
whose house are we." Heb. iii, 6. We conceive, fur- 
ther, that the house here signifies nothing more nor 
less than Zion,by which term, in many other places, 
the church is designated. We are now speaking 
of the church under the new dispensation, which 
was long since represented in the same light by 
the prophets : " In that day shall the branch of the 
Lord be beautiful and glorious ; and it shall come 
to pass, that He that is left in Zion, he that remain- 
eth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy." The 
Bible would never call a man holy that was not 
holy. " Even every one that is written among 
the living in Jerusalem ;" that is, whose names 
are recorded as full members of the church. 
" When the Lord shall have washed away the 
filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 259 

purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst 
thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and the spirit 
of burning. And the Lord will create upon 
every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon 
her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and 
the shining of a flaming fire by night ; for upon 
all the glory shall be a defense, and there shall 
be a tabernacle for a shadow, in the daytime, 
from the heat." On such a church as this the 
flame of persecution will rise high, and the heat 
will be to the extent of the enemy's power ; but 
God will be her defense. " And for a place of 
refuge, and for a covert from storm and from 
rain." If the devil cannot destroy with heat he 
will try something else : whatever it is, to him it 
matters not, and so sure as the church is not of 
this character it falls to pieces, as ours has begun 
to do. 

" And a highway shall be there, and a way, 
and it shall be called the way of holiness ; the 
unclean shall not pass over it." 

The furniture of a house should be adapted 
to the house ; hence, it would look vety uncouth 
to see a cooking stove in a parlor, or a reading 
table, with all its apparatus, in the kitchen. 

Every individual belonging to the church is 
required to sanctify the Lord God in his heart ; 
that is, to have a holy temple for a holy Being. 
"But it shall be for those, the wayfaring men, 
though fools, shall not err therein." Here we 
see that all who walk therein are in union 3 



260 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

whether they be learned or unlearned; though 
some men may not know as much as others, yet 
every man may be holy according to the know- 
ledge that he has of God. " No lion shall be 
there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, 
it shall not be found there; but the redeemed 
shall walk there." Here we see that the in- 
habitants of this place are active beings ; but no 
man can walk in Zion's ways, fully, except he be 
fully redeemed. " And the ransomed of the 
Lord shall return." The ransomed of the Lord 
are the whole human family ; they shall return ; 
that is, there is no way to Zion, but by returning: 
hence it is said, " Let the wicked forsake his 
way, and return to the Lord ;" that is, to Zion, 
"with songs and everlasting joy upon their 
heads ;" this quotation strikes a blow at the bot- 
tom and root of infidelity, because it opens a way 
for the ransomed of the Lord. We consider 
here that it is the privilege and duty of all chil- 
dren, before falling into actual transgression and 
sin, to return to Zion, where the Lord dwelleth. 
Instead of sorrow, and sighing, and anguish of 
heart, in consequence of actual sin, they shall 
obtain joy and gladness. Their miseries arising 
from sin, either original or actual, shall be pre- 
vented ; the cause ceases, and of course the effect 
must cease : and, unless they turn again to folly, 
their joys shall remain all the days of their short 
life, and to all eternity. 

" But ye are come unto Mount Zion, and to 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 261 

the city of the living God, and to the heavenly- 
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of 
"angels." Perhaps some would think that this 
has reference to another state of existence. Zion, 
city, and Jerusalem, are synonymous. The mem- 
bers of the true church of Christ are but one 
body throughout the known world. It is called 
heavenly, because Christ dwells in it. Therefore 
it is said that we sit together in heavenly places 
in Christ Jesus. 

An innumerable company of angels! This 
may refer either to the attendant angels on God's 
people, or the ministers of the gospel. For God's 
ministers are frequently denominated or called 
angels: for one says, I saw an angel flying 
through the midst of heaven, having the ever- 
lasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on 
fhe earth. God called, by the mouth of the re- 
velator, the minister of the church an angel — the 
angel of the church of Sardis. 

Isaiah lxii, 9, says, " The courts of my holi- 
ness ;" lxiii, 15, says, " Look down from heaven, 
and behold from the habitation of thy holiness 
and of thy glory." Ephesians ii, 22, says, " In 
whom ye also are builded together, for a habita- 
tion of God through the Spirit." 

Here we see, from these quotations, that the 
church is a place of residence for the Holy Being. 
And, inasmuch as he is of purer eyes than to 
behold sin, with any degree of allowance, it 
could not reasonably be supposed that he would 



262 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

be pleased with those, nor would he dwell with 
those that are contrary to himself. " Finally, 
brethren, farewell ; be perfect." 2 Cor. xiii, 11. 
This qualification of perfection stands in con- 
nection with all other spiritual blessings. And 
here the apostle says, that to this church the God 
of love and peace shall be with them. Psalm 
xlviii, 1, has the expression, " Mountain of his 
holiness." 

Jer. xxxi, 33, says, " But this shall be the cove- 
nant that I will make with the house of Israel. 
After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my 
law in their inward parts, and write it in their 
hearts : and will be their God, and they shall be 
my people." This is one of the distinctive cha- 
racteristics of the members of God's household. 
His law is a transcript of his own divine nature; 
and when written in the inward parts, even uporf 
the heart, producing obedience ; to such God is 
always a sun and a shield. No good thing will 
he withhold from them. Grace is a glory. " But 
upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there 
shall be holiness." Obadiah, 17th verse. We 
see, now, from these various quotations, that there 
is a perfect agreement between God and all the 
inspired men that he has employed to write or to 
speak in his name. 

I will now proceed to show what is necessary 
to be done in order to be constituted members 
of the church, which ive have thus far been de- 
scribing. " Having, therefore, these promises, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 263 

(we shall always see that promises are connected 
with conditions, either expressed or implied,) 
dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all 
filthiness of the flesh, perfecting holiness in the 
fear of God." 2 Cor. vii, 1. These words should 
be seriously and well considered. " To the end 
Jie may establish your hearts unblamable in holi- 
ness before God, even our Father, at the coming 
of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." 
1 Thess. iii, 13. " For God hath not called us 
unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." 1 Thess. 
iv, 7. 

It would be hard to prove that God ever called 
a man to anything short of this ; for this would 
unfit a man to be a full member in the church. 
" The aged women likewise, that they be in be- 
havior as becometh holiness." 
• One man, in my travels, once undertook to 
justify himself in wearing gold, by saying that 
women were only forbidden to wear it. But here 
we see that men and women both are required 
to be holy. " Follow peace with all men, and 
holiness, without which no man shall see the 
Lord." Heb. xii, 14. 

We think that the above quotations are suf- 
ficient to convince any man that will lay himself 
open to the reception of truth. Notwithstand- 
ing, there are those that must have line upon 
line, and precept upon precept ; and inasmuch 
as we have the materials, we will recapitulate 
and add other Scripture quotations and remarks, 



264 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

with a view to so guard this subject with truth 
and with reason, that no man shall have any- 
chance of escape, or any reasonable objection to 
offer. 1. Now we say and prove that God is 
holy, from his own words. 2. Consequently, 
all that proceeds from him must be like him. 
3. And, as a necessary corollary, none can be in. 
union with him but those that are holy. 

Accordingly, we will advance a few quotations 
to establish the first position. Lev. xi, 45, says, 
" For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out 
of the land of Egypt to be your God : ye shall 
therefore be holy ; for I am holy." Lev. xi, 44, 
says, "Ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and 
ye shall be holy ; for I am holy." Psa. xxii, 3, 
says, " But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest 
the praises of Israel !" 

In these quotations we see that the church is 
holy, because God is holy, and sanctifies it him- 
self, and prepares it for himself. As an inter- 
locutory point, we also learn that the praises of 
Israel are holy, coming from a holy heart. Hence 
God is pleased with them, and makes them the 
place of his habitation. I ask, then, How can 
that music in the house of God that is produced 
by organs, flutes, bass viols, handled and used 
not only with unhallowed and impure hands, 
but by those who are enemies to both God and 
the law of God, be tolerated? And, further, 
How dare ministers, with the giddy multitude, 
introduce such profanity in the house of God, 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 265 

where his name is recorded and his honor dwell- 
eth, and in view of the wo pronounced by the 
Almighty upon them who " multiply instruments 
of music like David ?" Amos v, 6. 

Isaiah vi, 3, says, " And one cried unto an- 
other, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of 
hosts." Psalm cxlv, 17, says, " The Lord is 
righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his 
works." Psalm xcix, says, " Exalt ye the Lord 
our God, and worship at his footstool ; for he is 
holy." 

(Let no man presume to stand on his feet, or 
cover his head, when he makes prayer to such 
a God.) 

We also argue that Jesus Christ is God, be- 
cause he is holy in the highest sense of the 
word, and none can be so considered but God. 
Acts iv, 27, says, " For of a truth against thy 
holy child Jesus," &c. Rev. iv, 8, says, " And 
the four beasts had each of them six wings about 
him ; and they were full of eyes within : and they 
rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, 
Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is 
to come." 

Here we also say that any man that does not 
wish to be willfully an infidel, and who has the 
least spark of sincerity in his soul, or the fear of 
God before his eyes, with these quotations before 
him, will acknowledge that they refer to Jesus 
Christ, and that he is God and man. And if he 
is willing to admit the mysteries of godliness, 
12 



266 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

he will say with St. Paul, that God was mani- 
fest in the flesh. Rev. xv, 4, says, " Who shall 
not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ? for 
thou only art holy." We conclude, therefore, 
that as the sun is the great and independent 
source of all light, so God is independently holy ; 
and as all planets derive their light from the sun, 
(which some say is a mistake, but I leave it for 
them to prove,) so all holy beings must derive this 
character from the inexhaustible source of holi- 
ness — God. Isaiah lxiii, 18, says, " The people 
of thy holiness," &c. Jer. ii, 3, says, " Israel was 
holiness unto the Lord." Jer. xxiii, 9, " Because 
of the Lord, and because of the words of his 
holiness." The word of the Lord is his law. 
Of course it must be pure, immutable, and ever- 
lasting. Consequently, the penalty of its violation, 
which is death, is just, and will hold its claim 
upon the offender; he will have to suffer the 
execution of this penalty, unless it is answered 
in some other way. And where can that way 
be found ? Let him that denies eternal punish- 
ment consider this matter seriously for his own 
good. 

2. All that proceeds from God, and all his 
works, must be like himself. When God had fin- 
ished the creation of all things, he pronounced it 
good, very good. Now it is said, that if any man 
be in Christ he is a new creature. Would God 
make a man anew, and not make him as pure 
and good as he did at first? Or would any 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 267 

argue that God has lost any of his skill, good- 
ness, and power, that are so essential to the hap- 
piness of man ? 

Ephesians iv, 24, says, " And that ye put on 
the new man, which, after God, is created in 
righteousness and true holiness." Hebrews xii, 
10, says, " For they verily, for a few days, chas- 
tened us after their own pleasure, but He for 
our profit, that we might be partakers of his holi- 
ness." 1 Timothy ii, 15, says, "If they continue 
in faith, charity, and holiness." 

We wish here briefly to show, not only that 
this is the privilege of all men, but that it is to 
be obtained and enjoyed, not by our works of 
righteousness, but by faith alone, and this must 
be obtained of God. And that a person coming 
into the possession of these high privileges, 
may not only retain them, but grow in them. 

1 Thess. iii, 13, says, " To the end he may 
establish your hearts unblamable in holiness 
before God, even our Father." 

In order, then, that we may be established, 
we must be unblamable : our faith must work 
by love. Accordingly our behavior in outward 
appearance, in walking with them that are 
without, all our conversation, must be as be- 
cometh holiness, 

Phil, i, 27, says, " Only let your conversation 
be as becometh the gospel of Christ." Heb. 
xiii, 5, says, " Let your conversation be without 
covetousness," James iii, 13, says, " Let him 



268 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

show out of a good conversation his works in 
meekness "and wisdom." 1 Peter i, 15, says, 
" So be ye holy, in all manner of conversation." 
No lightness, trifling, and jesting, are consistent 
with a profession of holiness. 2 Peter ii, 7, says, 
" And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy 
conversation of the wicked." This sort of con- 
versation contracts filthiness, in a degree, and 
will amount to that in the end which will be too 
vile to be mentioned, or to stand in connection 
with the character of a Christian. 1 Peter, ii, 12, 
says, " Having your conversation honest among 
the Gentiles*" We must remember that the world 
often hears and sees when we are not aware of 
the fact. Is it not possible to have good and 
chaste conversation ? 1 Peter iii, 16, hath it, 
" Having a good conscience, that whereas they 
speak evil of you, as evil doers, they may be 
ashamed that falsely accuse your good conver- 
sation in Christ." 1 Peter iii, 1, again, "Like- 
wise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own 
husbands, that if any obey not the word, they 
also may, without the word, be won by the con- 
versation of their wives," "We see here the 
power and influence of righteous conversation ! 
So that a man who knows nothing of true re- 
ligion, may be won over by the power of it. 

Whence does filthy conversation arise ? Jesus 
says, " Out of the abundance of the heart the 
mouth speaketh." 

3. As far as a man is holy, so far he can be in 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 269 

union with God, for union supposes agreement, 
and vice versa. In order to have a perfect agree- 
ment, therefore, man must be sanctified through- 
out soul, body, and spirit, and this it is said God 
will do. It cannot reasonably be supposed that 
this union will exist in any other form than in 
the present; and, inasmuch as man is always 
in jeopardy, we argue that this great qualifica- 
tion, and the only one that will give us an abundant 
entrance into the everlasting kingdom, must be 
obtained and enjoyed in the present time. 
Otherwise man is not safe. And he could not 
hence rejoice evermore ; for the joy of the soul 
arises from the knowledge of present acceptance 
with God. And these and these only are able 
to give a satisfactory reason for their hope : and, 
for the benefit of every man, this experience 
should be ready and always at hand. 

In connection with this experience, the subject 
will always be clothed with humility, and also 
all the fruits of charity. 

Now, this character may be said to be irre- 
proachable, not only in the sight of the world, but 
in the sight of God. This is a state which may 
be said to be desirable ; first, in view of the honor, 
for all His saints have honor. Psa. cxlix, 9. No 
man can be truly humble without honor. Prov. 
xv, 33. And by this honor, coming from the 
principle and practice of virtue, every man shall 
be upheld. Prov. xxix, 23. A man's pride shall 
bring him low ; but honor shall uphold the hum- 



270 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

ble in spirit. " For them that honor me, I will 
honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly 
esteemed." 1 Samuel ii, 30. God is honored 
by us when we fully believe and credit his word, 
and humbly and faithfully obey all his command- 
ments : otherwise we despise him. To honor 
God, further, consists in a bestowment of a due 
portion of our substance to the advancement of 
his kingdom. Prov, iii, 9. 

When a man is freed from sin, he, and he only, 
can be a true and faithful servant of the Lord. 
And he shall be honored with fruit unto holi- 
ness, and the end everlasting life. " If any man 
serve me, him will my Father honor." John xii, 
26. So we see that this honor does not accrue 
to the man who offers merely lip service, nor him 
who " takes the highest seat ;" but to the charac- 
ter above described, whom the " King delights 
to honor;" that is, his humble servant. This 
honor is a "glory" that will never tarnish or 
fade so long as a man is a true servant of God. 

We now wish to ask a question, and give 
an unequivocal answer. 

If an object of minor consequence, and this 
only connected with the present short life, when 
held up to the view, is contended for to the extent 
of all the energy and power of man, (to gain 
which the most rigid observance of temperance, 
and strict attention to the rules laid down for each 
" combatant" to follow, are required, and all this 
attended with the fear of contingencies,) may we 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 271 

not conclude, when the highest object is contem- 
plated, having both regard to the present life, 
and that which is to come, (and this object can- 
not be anything less than to be made a partaker of 
the divine nature, and we learn that this blessing 
is virtually in the great and precious promises of 
God, and this attainment should be by the church, 
not only offered, but required to be had in pos- 
session, in order to be qualified fully for a material 
in the great spiritual building, the militant church,) 
that the latter should call up as much energy, 
and incite a man to contend more earnestly for 
this faith that is like gold, and for this crown 
that will never fade ? 

It may be that there will be objections raised 
by those who wish to be admitted into full con- 
nection in the church, (as per brother Gaddis, of 
Ohio,) by the requirement of this course. 

We should think that any man who is ac- 
quainted with the Bible, and with ancient and 
modern history, would be at a loss to find any 
reasonable objection. 

We will now show some reason, and offer 
some propositions, and some substitutes, and 
invite the careful attention of the reader to the 
accompanying exposition on church membership. 

I wish to show that things can be done in 
a shorter, more Scriptural, and more consistent 
way ; and more to the benefit of the church and 
the world at large. 

I will call the reader's attention, first, to Ans. 1 



272 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

to Question 3, Sec. 2, of the Discipline, which 
is : " Let none be received into the church until 
they are recommended by a leader, with whom 
they have met at least six months on trial, and 
have been baptized ; and shall, on examination 
by the minister in charge, before the church, give 
satisfactory assurances, both of the correctness of 
their faith, and their willingness to observe and 
keep the rules of the church." 
• If by the correctness of their faith, we are to 
understand the knowledge of their sins being 
blotted out, and their being thoroughly washed 
with the washing of regeneration, and wholly re- 
newed by the Holy Ghost, we have no objection 
to the condition. 

Now, as it respects persons being admitted on 
trial, we think it correct according to the General 
Rules, provided they are recommended by one 
whom the preacher knows, and who has met 
them twice or thrice in class, the rules having 
been read at their first meeting in such class. 

We conceive that the time of six months' pro- 
bation for admission into full connection in the 
church, on the positive answer to the beclouded 
examination above, is calculated, in its looseness, 
to unite a company of people together, being no 
better than carnal ; who, instead of being able to 
feed others with that food necessary, need yet 
to be fed themselves with milk. Hence their 
teaching will be such as plainly to show that 
they need some one to teach them. Such a 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 273 

company of unsanctified people cannot reason- 
ably or scripturally be denominated or called 
the church of Christ in reality. 

Let me ask with the prophet, " Why is not the 
health of the daughter of my people recovered ?" 
The reasons are as follows : — 

We think that, instead of the specified time 
of six months for full membership, should be 
substituted the qualification — that the candidates 
should be able to satisfy the church and the 
preacher, that they, in fact, are in possession of 
righteousness and true holiness. This being 
required positively, there will be a majority of 
suitable persons to compose the church. From 
such a body of men will spring a holy ministry. 
And as the church is to be led and governed by 
the ministry — -from their administration there 
tvill ahvays be a holy church. 

Inasmuch as a holy ministry must be produced 
from this body, these men, like Paul, will preach 
the whole counsel of God. If the people are 
left in any degree short of what the great and 
enlarged capacities of the soul require, there 
will be a certain degree of the finer qualities of 
the mind under the power and control of the 
devil. And this state existing in connection with 
the profession of Christianity, works in and will 
bring out, to the great annoyance of the peace 
and harmony of society, that which is earthly, 
sensual, and devilish. 

In this state there will be a certain degree of 
12* 



274 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Pharisaism connected with human pride and 
unholy aspirings after popularity, both as respects 
church and state. This will give latitude to the 
different views and prejudices of men, not being 
under the conservative and restraining control 
of hearts fully sanctified; and hence there will 
subsist a want of that charity which always hopes 
for the best. 

I feel as though I could appeal to the Searcher 
of hearts, that I have no other object in these 
remarks than the agreement, union, strength, 
prosperity, and perpetuity of the church of Christ. 
Whoever credits me in this assertion, will not be 
led to charge me with wishing to divide or to 
lop off a branch, or to tear up a root, except the 
cursed root of sin. 

I conceive that the reason why Paul and Silas, 
at a certain time, disagreed and separated, was 
the want of that true humility and submission 
in Silas, that will necessarily be the fruit of 
entire sanctification. As here I design to branch 
off on the topic of the " division of the church," 
I will commence with chapter viii. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 275 



CHAPTER VIII. 

DIVISION OF THE CHURCH. 

Every man should stand in his own lot, proved from Romans 
— Amount of loss sustained by disputation — No necessity for 
it — How to obviate the difficulty for the future — Divers ques- 
tions, explanatory of the causes of some things — Resumption 
of the remedy to obviate the difficulty in future — Reflections — 
Purity of the church must be perpetuated — Church must be 
assisted by the Spirit of God — God works by human means — 
Holiness insisted upon — Digression on Texas — Subject resumed 
— Something better than contention. 

St. Peter says to the ministers, though pos- 
sessing different grades in office, that they should 
all of them be subject one to the other. 

In order for this, each one must be willing to 
stand in his own lot, and occupy his own, what- 
ever of talent he may have. 

This doctrine may be seen in the following 
quotation : — Romans xii, 4-16, " For as we have 
many members in one body, and all members 
have not the same office ; so we, being many, 
are one body in Christ, and every one members 
one of another. 

Having, then, gifts differing according to the 
grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let 
us prophesy according to the proportion of faith. 

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering ; 
or he that teacheth, on teaching. 

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation : he that 
giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that 



276 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

ruleth, with diligence ; he that showeth mercy, 
with cheerfulness. 

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that 
which is evil ; cleave to that which is good. 

Be kindly affectioned one to another with 
brotherly love ; in honor preferring one another. 

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; 
serving the Lord. 

Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; con- 
tinuing instant in prayer. 

* Distributing to the necessity of the saints ; given 
to hospitality. 

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and 
curse not. 

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep 
with them that weep. 

Be of the same mind one toward another. 

Mind not high things, but condescend to men 
of low estate. Be not wise in your own con- 
ceits." 

All these, and every other holy fruit, as the 
effect of the sanctifying Spirit of God, will lead 
every man that way, against which there can be 
no law. 

I will here ask a very profound, powerful, mo- 
mentous, and interesting question. Letting alone 
all other individuals of any denomination and 
the world at large, whose attention has been 
unnecessarily taken up with the unhallowed and 
uncalled for dispute in the M. E. Church, arising 
in consequence of the want of that purity of 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 277 

heart, under the influence of which the discern- 
ment is correct — I ask, what amount of loss is 
sustained by the church, by reason of the time 
spent, study and usefulness lost, from the great 
object of spreading Scriptural holiness over these 
lands, and saving souls ? And we cannot but 
consider, with reference to the subject of slavery 
in connection with designing men, that there is 
no necessity of the Methodist ministry contend- 
ing on it, any more than there would be for them 
to dispute whether there was a heaven or hell ; 
and, in my opinion, they have no more business 
with the subject than they have with the north 
pole. 

" Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them 
^Which cause divisions and offenses contrary to 
the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid 
them ; for they that are such, serve not our Lord 
Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and, by good 
words and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the 
simple." Rom. xvi, 17, 18. 

Now we ask, must the church be torn, wounded, 
and caused to bleed out of every pore, and the 
lambs to shiver with cold, not being fed, and the 
sheep with food partly suited and partly not to 
them, and the whole work of God retarded, in 
consequence of these altercations ? 

We here give an answer to obviate the whole 
of these difficulties in future ages. As it re- 
spects the present difficulty in the present gene- 
ration, with so much knowledge that puffeth up, 



278 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

we see no way for remedy in such a state 
of things. Before, however, we enter into an 
explication of the nature of this remedy, we shall 
be under the necessity of asking divers questions : 

Has not the church always risen or fallen, 
according to the goodness or badness of its pro- 
phets under the old dispensation ? 

Has it not justly been said, " Like priests, 
like people ?" Was not the church greatly sunk 
in idolatry and stupidity before the days of Mar- 
tin Luther and John Calvin ? And what revival 
it experienced at that time, was it not because 
these men were better than their predecessors ? 
Would it not be Veil to examine the causes of 
the declension in the church from their day to 
the appearance of John Wesley, who was an 
advocate of truth ? 

Will it be too much for us to say, that the 
declension of the church in these days was in 
consequence of the church and her ministers 
seeking to be in union with popular opinion? 
And we ask, why was the Church of England 
left with the mere form of godliness, and encum- 
bered with a multiplicity of ceremonies ? It must 
have been because of unholy and unfaithful 
watchmen, who acted like dumb dogs that could 
not bark ; and hence, not having a due sense of the 
worth of immortal souls, neglected to search with 
diligent inquiry into the state of the flocks, but 
cried, Peace, peace ! when God had never spoken 
peace! And we ask, why all these failures? 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 279 

And, first, may it not be attributed to the false 
notion, that infant baptism is regeneration ? 

Second. May it not be further attributed to 
unregenerate and unsanctified persons being 
constituted and established members of the 
church, by the laying on of the hands of the 
bishop, who pronounces confirmation, which, 
when done, fixes in the minds of these dark, 
ignorant, proud sinners, the idea that they are 
now among God's elect children ? These sin- 
ners, of course, will offer no better to posterity 
than what they themselves possess. To such 
the law of God, or the Holy Scriptures, are a 
mere novel. 

"Was not this the deplorable state of the church 
in the eighteenth century, when God, who pitied 
Israel in Egypt, and sent them Moses for their 
deliverance, raised up the "Wesleys and Fletcher? 
Men who saw and felt that there were higher 
privileges from the knowledge they had attained 
of the purity of the Bible, both for themselves 
and the world. And when they heard that sound 
from God himself, " Go ye into all the world, 
and preach the gospel to every creature," their 
great difficulty was to know how to perform this 
work without being wholly sanctified and set 
apart by the Holy Ghost. Now, we ask, further, 
with all the high attainments of literature that 
these scholars of Oxford possessed, without the 
authority which they received from the Most High, 
would they have been successful in producing 



280 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS, 

the reformation which took place by their instru- 
mentality ? 

We charitably hope that a majority of the 
ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
yet retain the spirit and qualifications that our 
venerable founder evinced and manifested in all 
his labors and writings. Yet we have some 
serious apprehensions, if the question were this 
day put to every individual of the whole body, 
" Are you in possession of that perfect love, which 
you have heretofore affirmed you were groaning 
after ?" that a large majority would be obliged to 
answer in the negative. 

Now touching the remedy : — In order to have 
a healthy, thriving, robust, and strong constitu- 
tion in man, it is necessary, first, that there be a 
proper child, which must have suitable nutriment, 
(not meat before milk,) and trained under suit- 
able discipline; proper attention to a uniform 
regimen will insure and perpetuate healthful 
action of the body. 

Now we do not presume to offer a remedy 
to restore spiritual health fully to those ministers 
who are ordained and established by the bishop, 
with full authorities in the church. I believe that 
all that Mr. Wesley did, did not accomplish this. 
But, in the commencement of this branch of the 
church, the ministry was raised up from the lower 
class, and generally from the youth. 

If we would have a Christian community, 
then, vigorous, active and sound, good and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 281 

skillful theologians in Scripture, and for ever 
separated, and forming a distinct party from the 
world, and the love, pride, and vain maxims of 
the world, there must be a pure, holy, feeling, 
and discerning ministry. This can never be ob- 
tained, except by having the legitimate mother 
of these men of this character. 

We think that it is possible for such a church 
to be raised and perpetuated to the last ages of 
time. This was the great object of the coming 
of Christ on the face of the earth, and this was 
the prophecy of Zechariah, when he beheld his 
glory. In reference to the foundation of this 
church, it should be built on a rock ; and then 
its addition, which the Lord says " shall be daily," 
will be realized. In reference to the head and 
ruler of the church, it is said, Ephesians i, 22, 
" And hath put all things under his feet, and 
gave him to be Head over all things to the 
church." It must be strictly observed, therefore, 
that the church must be subject to Christ. Ephe- 
sians v, 24. 

And with respect to the purity of the church, 
this must be perpetuated : " That he might pre- 
sent it to himself (if Christ is not God this must 
be a contradiction) a glorious church, not having 
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it 
should be holy, and without blemish." Ephe- 
sians v, 27. We further argue the possibility of 
these high attainments, and the perpetuation of 
them, from the love of Christ to the church. 



282 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

And greater love than Christ has shown, cannot 
be shown either by God or man. " Husbands 
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the 
church, and gave himself for it." Ephesians 
v, 25. 

Now the strength of the church must not be 
looked for by the outward appearance, or from 
earthly embellishments, or even the speaking 
with the tongues of men and angels, or the 
greatest gift, even of prophecy, or the understand- 
ing of mysteries, and all knowledge, in con- 
nection with the wisdom of this world, and all 
boasted faith ; but according to His own word, 
" that he would grant you according to the riches 
of his glory, to be strengthened with might, by 
his Spirit, in the inner man." Ephesians iii, 16. ' 

To undertake, or attempt to operate, or accom- 
plish any work, under the character of the church, 
without the strength of this Spirit in the inner 
man, would be like David going to war with 
Saul's armor : " Not by might, nor by power, 
but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." 

In every age of the world, it may be noticed 
that God has always done his great work with 
human and weak means. For instance, the de- 
struction of Jericho, the death of Goliah, the path 
through the mighty deep made by the rod in 
the hand of Moses. But the instruments must 
be those of God's own choosing. 

According to the judgment of Jesus Christ 
himself, men can only work with such ability 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 283 

and means as they have in possession. "We 
argue, therefore, that if a man only has attained 
justification himself, he never will offer anything 
beyond this to the people. I believe that Mr. 
Wesley preached a considerable time with only 
this attainment. And the principle of holiness 
that he could set forth so, was only in theory ; 
and even this he could not have done in a clear 
and perspicuous, but in quite an imperfect 
manner. 

Now it may be argued by the objector, that 
men may preach the doctrine of holiness who 
never have known the power themselves. But 
will it not, after all, to a spiritual man, be like a 
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal ? And it 
will pass off with a sound, without any substan- 
tial reformation resulting. If there is not more 
strict attention to this great and all-absorbing 
subject, the subject of this inward qualification, 
that should be mixed in or stand in the front 
ground of theological examination, will there not 
be taught that which the ministry know not, 
being ignorant of what they affirm ? 

We conceive, therefore, that the only remedy 
for the church in after ages is to begin with the 
children, with this doctrine of being washed and 
wholly renewed by the Holy Ghost, even before 
actual transgression, and then, as soon as they 
give evidence of a desire for these blessings, 
that they be taken under the watchful care 
of the church ; and as soon as they obtain them 5 



284 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

which every soul of man thirsteth after, and cannot 
be satisfied with anything short of, let them be re- 
ceived into full connection. And the reason why 
a soul cannot be satisfied with anything short, is, 
that it is the only qualification that can make a 
man happy in the present, and useful in his day 
and generation. And there can be no other way, 
that any man can have a comfortable hope of 
heaven, and eternal life. 

Now, further, let every young man who pro- 
fesses to be called of God to preach the gospel, 
however much learning he has, or may be re- 
quired to have, be closely and pointedly examined, 
and be able to give satisfaction to the conference 
that he has all the above experience, not in view 
at a remote time, but in actual possession. And 
if this course is not attended to immediately in 
the M. E. Church, what will be her deplorable 
situation, when the venerable men who have 
contended so long for these doctrines and rules 
are laid down in the silent tomb ? Let Mr. Wes- 
ley speak, and hear what he would say, if it 
were possible. Let every candid man, who can 
look back, and remember the days of the begin- 
ning of Methodism, speak out, without dissem- 
blance and uncertainty, and I should have little 
apprehension of their disagreement with me. 

The division of the church is either right or 
wrong. The same may be affirmed of the con- 
tention that has arisen in connection with it. 

Now, if the doctrine taught by our blessed 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 285 

Lord is true, which declares that a house divided 
against itself cannot stand, the course that our 
church has taken is not right. If it is right for 
the M. E. Church to be divided, then it is right 
for parents and children to go to war with each 
other. "We argue, if it had been right, that 
some good would have resulted from the fact. 
If proper principles and tempers were in opera- 
tion in the heart and mind, would it not be pos- 
sible, by the same mode of reasoning, for a large 
family to be kept together as easily as a smaller 
one ? Hence, the greatness of the church does 
not argue the necessity of division. It is true, 
that Abraham's herdsmen and Lot's quarreled; 
but had they all been of the principle and tem- 
perament of Abraham, there never would have 
been any contention among them. Though 
good men may differ in their views and opinions 
on many things that are minor, yet there must 
and will be an agreement in the great and car- 
dinal doctrines of salvation. For within the 
compass of these truths are the eternal destinies 
of the human soul. " Take heed unto thyself, 
and unto thy doctrine ; continue in them : for in 
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them 
that hear thee." 1 Tim. iv, 16. 

Now it may be said that we differ only upon 
the perplexing African question, which was the 
principal topic of declamation a few years since 
with all wily politicians ; but, of late, not a 
substantial word has been heard on this subject. 



286 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

But when another subject, which subserves men's 
interests better, is taken up, as the subject of 
Texas and annexation, the poor negroes are left 
to be whipped to death. 

If this should, or has taken place, (that is, 
the whipping,) the crime was probably suf- 
ficient to justify the punishment. 

Now, the Lord may know what subject the 
devil will invent and concoct, before another pre- 
sidential campaign ; but we pray to God to give 
us men to rule over us of his own appointment, 
and such as will fear him and work righteous- 
ness. And, in the election of these officers, every 
man, who fulfills the requirements of the Bible, 
ought to have the liberty of casting his vote, pro 
or con. 

I merely mean by this digression to record 
my protest against slavery and monopoly. Of- 
ficers are necessary in government, and it is 
essential that they maintain the dignity of their 
offices ; but when they are out, they should not be 
considered above other men, but on an equality, 
and " stay put." 

To resume, we think that the M. E. Church to 
have been, as it should have been, would never 
have divided. We opine that the M. E. Church, 
which has been the wonder of the world, both 
for the purity of its doctrine, and the brotherly 
love, union, and harmony, which have subsisted 
between its members, as well as its great pros- 
perity as respects its numbers, property, and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 287 

usefulness to the world, ought, in order that these 
great privileges should have been increased and 
perpetuated, until the world should have become 
evangelized and Christianized, to have remained 
in union not only in its doctrines, but in regard to 
the internal and vital experience of the benefits 
of the atonement made by the sufferings of Jesus 
Christ on the cross. Notwithstanding, it is a 
fact that astonishes the Christian world, that the 
preaching of Methodist ministers in America 
has succeeded to a greater extent than any 
other denomination whatever; yet, if our 
economy, spiritual and temporal, had all been 
observed according to the letter and spirit of 
our most excellent Discipline, may we not rea- 
sonably suppose, that three members to where 
there is one, might have been now enumerated 
in this branch of the church of Christ? And 
we think that this sentiment is not out of place, 
when we contemplate what a holy man of old 
once said; he "would that Israel were a 
thousand times as many as they are." (Moses 
wrote it.) 

The part of the Discipline to which I refer is 
as follows : — 

SECTION XV. 
Of visiting from House to House, guarding against 

those Things that are so common to Professors, and 

enforcing practical Religion. 
Quest. 1. How can we further assist those 
under our care ? 



288 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Ans. By instructing them at their own houses. 
What unspeakable need is there of this ! The 
world says, " The Methodists are no better than 
other people." This is not true in the general : 
but, 1. Personal religion, either toward God or 
man, is too superficial among us. We can but 
just touch on a few particulars. How little faith 
is there among us ! How little communion with 
God, how little living in heaven, walking in eter- 
nity, deadness to every creature ! How much 
love of the world ! Desire of pleasure, of ease, 
of getting money! How little brotherly love! 
What continual judging one another! What 
gossiping, evil speaking, tale bearing! What 
want of moral honesty ! To instance only one 
particular ; who does as he would be done by in 
buying and selling ? 

2. Family religion is wanting in many 
branches. And what avails public preaching 
alone, though we could preach like angels ? 
We must, yea, every traveling preacher must 
instruct the people from house to house. Till 
this be done, and that in good earnest, the 
Methodists will be no better. 

Our religion is not sufficiently deep, univer- 
sal, uniform: but superficial, partial, uneven. 
It will be so till we spend half as much time in 
this visiting, as we now do in talking uselessly. 
Can we find a better method of doing this than 
Mr. Baxter's? If not, let us adopt it without 
delay. His whole tract, entitled Gildas Sal- 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 289 

vianusj is well worth a careful perusal. Speak- 
ing of this visiting from house to house, he says, 
(p. 351,) " We shall find many hinderances, both 
in ourselves and the people." 

1. In ourselves there is much dullness and 
laziness, so that there will be much ado to get 
us to be faithful in the work. 

2. We have a base, man-pleasing temper, so 
that we let them perish rather than lose their 
love; we let them go quietly to hell, lest we 
should offend them. 

3. Some of us have a foolish bashfulness. 
We know not how to begin, and blush to con- 
tradict the devil. 

4. But the greater hinderance is weakness of 
faith. Our whole motion is weak, because the 
spring of it is weak. 

5. Lastly, we are unskillful in the work. 
How few know how to deal with men, so as to 
get within them, and suit all our discourse to 
their several conditions and tempers ; choose the 
fittest subjects, and follow them with a holy mix- 
ture of seriousness, terror, love, and meekness ? 

But undoubtedly this private application is 
implied in those solemn words of the apostle : 
" I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus 
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead 
at his appearing, preach the word; be instant in 
season, out of season : reprove, rebuke, exhort, 
with all long suffering." 

O brethren, if we could but set this work on 
13 



290 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

foot in all our societies, and prosecute it zealous- 
ly, what glory would redound to God! If the 
common lukewarmness were banished, and 
every shop, and every house, busied in speak- 
ing of the word and works of God, surely God 
would dwell in our habitations, and make us 
his delight. 

And this is absolutely necessary to the welfare 
of our people, some of whom neither repent nor 
believe to this day. Look around, and see how 
many of them are still in apparent danger of 
damnation. And how can you walk and talk, 
and be merry with such people, when you know 
their case ? When you look them in the face, 
you should break forth into tears, as the prophet 
did when he looked upon Hazael, and then set 
on them with the most vehement exhortations. 
O, for God's sake, and the sake of poor souls, 
bestir yourselves, and spare no pains that may 
conduce to their salvation ! 

What cause have we to bleed before the Lord 
that we have so long neglected this good work ! 
If we had but engaged in it sooner, how many 
more might have been brought to Christ ! And 
how much holier and happier might our societies 
have been before now! And why might we not 
have done it sooner ? There were many hinder- 
ances; and so there always Will be. But the 
greatest hinderance is in ourselves, in our little- 
ness of faith and love. 

But it is objected, I. * This will take up so much 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 291 

time, we shall not have leisure to follow our stu- 
dies." We answer, 1. Gaining knowledge is ^ 
good thing, but saving souls is a better. 2. By 
this very thing you will gain the most excellent 
knowledge, that of God and eternity. 3. You 
will have time for gaining other knowledge too. 
Only sleep no more than you need ; " and never 
be idle, or triflingly employed." But, 4. If you 
can do but one, let your studies alone. We 
ought to throw by all the libraries in the world, 
rather than be guilty of the loss of one 
soul. 

It is objected, IL " The people will not submit 
to it." If some will not, others will. And the 
success with them will repay all your labor, O 
let us herein follow the example of St. Paul! 
1. For our general business, Serving the Lord 
with all humility of mind : 2. Our special work, 
Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock : 
3. Our doctrine, Repentance toward God, and 
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ: 4. The 
place, I have taught you publicly, and from 
house to house : 5. The object and manner of 
teaching, I ceased not to warn every one, night and 
day, with tears : 6. His innocence and self-denial 
herein, I have coveted no man's silver or gold : 
7. His patience, Neither count I my life dear 
unto myself. And among all other motives, let 
these be ever before our eyes: 1. The church 
of God, which he hath purchased with his own 
blood : 2. Grievous wolves shall enter in ; yea, 



292 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse 
things. 

Write this upon your hearts, and it will do 
you more good than twenty years' study. Then 
you will have no time to spare ; you will have 
work enough. Then, likewise, no preacher will 
stay with us who is as salt that has lost its savor. 
For to such this employment would be mere 
drudgery. And in order to it, you will have 
need of all the knowledge you can procure, and 
grace you can attain. 

The sum is, Go into ever house in course, and 
teach every one therein, young and old, to be 
Christians inwardly and outwardly ; make every 
particular plain to their understandings ; fix it 
in their minds ; write it on their hearts. In or- 
der to this there must be line upon line, precept 
upon precept. What patience, what love, what 
knowledge is requisite for this ! We must needs 
do this, were it only to avoid idleness. Do we 
not loiter away many hours in every week? 
Each try himself: no idleness is consistent with 
a growth in grace. Nay, without exactness in 
redeeming time, you cannot retain the grace you 
receive in justification. 

Quest 2. Why are we not more holy ? Why 
do we not live in eternity ? Walk with God all 
the day long ? Why are we not all devoted to 
God ? Breathing the whole spirit of missionaries ? 

Arts. Chiefly because we are enthusiasts; 
looking for the end without using the means. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 298 

To touch only upon two or three instances : — 
Who of us rises at four, or even at five, when 
we do not preach ? Do we know the obligation 
and benefit of fasting or abstinence ? How often 
do we practice it ? The neglect of this alone is 
sufficient to account for our feebleness and faint- 
ness of spirit. We are continually grieving 
the Holy Spirit of God by the habitual neglect 
of a plain duty. Let us amend from this 
hour. 

Quest 3. How shall we guard against sab- 
bath breaking, evil speaking, unprofitable con- 
versation, lightness, expensiveness or gayety of 
apparel,* and contracting debts without due care 
to discharge them ? * 

Ans. 1. Let us preach expressly on each of 
these heads. 2. Read in every society the ser- 
mon on evil speaking. 3. Let the leaders closely 
examine and exhort every person to put away the 
accursed thing. 4. Let the preachers warn every 
society that none who is guilty herein can remain 
with us. 5. Extirpate buying or selling goods 
which have not paid the duty laid upon them 
by government out of our church. Let none 
remain with us who will not totally abstain from 
this evil in every kind and degree. Extirpate 
bribery, receiving anything, directly or indirectly, 
for voting at any election. Show no respect to 

* Does not gold evince gayety, and is it not expensive ? How 
can any man looking through glass framed in gold read the 
above and the General Rules with a clear conscience ? 



294 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

persons herein, but expel all that touch the ac- 
cursed thing. And strongly advise our people 
to discountenance all treats given by candidates 
before or at elections, and not to be partakers, 
in any respect, of such iniquitous practices. 

Here we wish to show something better and 
more profitable that might have taken place, than 
contention. Notwithstanding editors, doctors, 
and a mongrel and indiscriminate legion of dia- 
lecticians and logicians, have spent much time, 
and written great things, displaying overwhelm- 
ing talent, and some of them perhaps more 
human fire than heavenly, (and this at one time 
brought from Samuel upon Saul sharp rebuke,) 
this contention has not only caused the waste 
of gifts and talents that otherwise might have been 
employed to the advancement of the church, but 
has it not strengthened this unhallowed disposi- 
tion to contend — especially in those who have 
an irrepressible propension that way ? 

In moral investigation we alledge many things ; 
perhaps some of them may be true, and others 
not. "With no bad motives, we will risk a few 
more remarks on this subject In the first place, 
we will suppose, had all the editors of our differ- 
ent religious periodicals, all the doctors, as Olin, 
Capers, Winans, Bascom, Durbin, Bangs, Long- 
street, Akens, Tomlinson, Payne, Smith, and 
others, who, when all combined for the accom- 
plishment of one object, would have constituted 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 295 

a powerful phalanx against infidelity — I say, 
had they all been perfectly united, clothed with 
humility, (this is not a patch on the garment,) 
manifesting all that love and simplicity, patience 
and forbearance, that should always characterize 
the members of a family, the world would have 
been led to say, " See how these Christians love 
one another;" and their influence would have 
been felt for good. The story of the spaniel 
will illustrate another idea with reference to the 
actors in the recent comedy of errors, (a comedy 
in the view of the world.) Once two spaniels 
met on a narrow passage, with a tremendous 
precipice on either side ; instead of fighting for 
the mastery, both stopped, and one laid down, 
and so let the other pass over him. 

Great men that are good men will be like the 
salt of the earth ; and while some have but one 
talent, they, having five, can of course produce a 
proportionate increase of good. 

In reference to being on the earth, a man is 
comforted in view of the sufficiency of his 
foundation ; and if on the water, in view of the 
correctness of his compass, and the skill of his 
pilot. 

If there is any character or person on the 
earth that needs to be comforted, it is the Chris- 
tian, in view of his powerful enemies, his tribu- 
lations, his own weakness, of false brethren, his 
liability to doubt, and frequent want of faith. 
Here is duty ; and would not all this service have 



296 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 

been accomplished, fully, clearly, and satisfac- 
torily, had all these talented giants been as much 
united as they have been disunited? 1st. In 
defense and explanation of the divinity of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, which is, and ever will be, the 
only foundation ; which is the permanent source 
of comfort to the afflicted, tossed, and perse- 
cuted church. 2. For the edification and direc- 
tion of a lost and ruined world. In unfolding 
and proving the high and cardinal doctrines of 
salvation, present and eternal. Might not thus 
every sinner within the scope of their influence 
have been left without a single excuse ? 

In regard to these doctrines, permit us to say 
in reference to, 1st. Repentance toward God, 
and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, that 
the attendance to these constitutes the method 
by which the sinner is immediately justified; 
2d. Carried forward to the great blessing of 
regeneration ; and, 3d. That he is wholly sancti- 
fied to God — for this is the will of God in 
Christ Jesus concerning us, and he is faithful, 
who also will do it. 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 297 



CHAPTER IX. 

DRUNKENNESS AND GLUTTONY. 

Quotations from Scripture, with comments — Case of the 
drunken young man on board of the steamboat — Quotations 
continued — Remarks on alcohol — The exercise of common sense 
and logic — Gluttony — What constitutes gluttony — Theory of 
vegetation — Conclusion. 

" It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for 
kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink ; 
lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert 
the judgment of any of the afflicted." Prov. xxxi, 
4,5. 

The reason hereof is shown in Prov. iv, 17, 
" For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink 
the wine of violence." 

This course also leads to infidelity, 1 Cor. xv, 
32, " Let us eat and drink ; for to-morrow. we die." 
They not only forget the law, but the duration 
of their existence and obligation to God. It 
serves to increase gluttony. 

Amos iv, 1, " Hear this word, ye kine of Ba- 
shan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which 
oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which 
say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink." 

1 Cor. x, 21. The cup of the drunkard here 
is called the cup of devils. It must then con- 
tain that which would make a drunkard, or it 
would not have so awful a character connected 

with it. 

13* 



298 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Leviticus x, 9, " Do not drink wine, nor strong 
drink." This practice was prohibited priests 
and their children on pain of death. 

Judges xiii, 4, " Now therefore beware, I pray 
thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and 
eat not any unclean thing." Fourteenth verse 
says, " Neither let her drink wine or strong drink, 
nor eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded 
her, let her observe." 

1 Samuel i, 15, "And Hannah said, No, my 
lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I 
have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but 
have poured out my soul before the Lord," 
Every Christian will pattern after Hannah, in 
prayer and abstinence. 

Proverbs xx, 1, " "Wine is a mocker, strong 
drink is raging : and whoever is deceived thereby 
is not wise." So no man under this influence 
is ever compared to a rational being, but to that 
kind of animal that is to be bound, or held in 
with bit and bridle. When we view him, there- 
fore, who might be wise and sane, deceived and 
a fool, is he not to be pitied above all other beings 
on the earth ? And can it be said that we have 
any pity for such a degraded being as this, when 
we will vote to support a practice that perpetuates 
this misery in the human family ? 

Isaiah v, 11, " Wo to them that rise up early 
in the morning, that they may follow strong 
drink ; that continue until night, till wine inflame 
them !" Isaiah v, 22, " Wo unto them that are 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 299 

mighty to drink wine> and men of strength to 
mingle strong drink." Isaiah v, 23, " Which 
justify the wicked for a reward : and take away 
the righteousness of the righteous from him." 
Isaiah xxviii, 7, " But they also have erred through 
wine, and through strong drink are out of the 
way. The priest and the prophet have erred 
through strong drink, they are swallowed up of 
wine, they are out of the way through strong 
drink ; they err in vision, they stumble in judg- 
ment." Isaiah v, 8, " For all tables are full of 
vomit and filthiness." 

Ephesians v, 18, " And be not drunk with 
wine, wherein is excess." Deuteronomy xxi, 20, 
" And they shall say unto the elders of his city, 
This our son is stubborn and rebellious ; he will 
not obey our voice ; he is a glutton and a drunk- 
ard." Here we see those parents that ought to be 
honored, are disobeyed and rebelled against, in 
consequence of drunkenness and gluttony. 

Prov. xxiii, 21, " For the drunkard and the 
glutton shall come to poverty." Prov. xxvi, 9, 
" As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunk- 
ard," so he subjects himself to all misery; for 
what can make one feel more miserable than a 
thorn in the hand ? 

1 Cor. v, JL1. In this quotation the drunkard 
is excluded from all good society; first, his 
company is with fornicators; second, covetous 
persons; third, idolaters; fourth, railers; fifth, 
extortioners, (1 Cor. vi, 10,) and thieves. All 



300 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

these characters by the apostle are excluded from 
the church. They rail upon all good people. 
Psalm lxix, 12, "And I was the song of the 
drunkards." 

Isaiah xxviii, 1, " Wo to the crown of pride, 
to the drunkards of Ephraim " Is it not better 
to dispense with the curse of drunkenness, than 
to have the curse of Heaven ? Isaiah xxviii, 3, 
" The drunkards of Ephraim shall be trodden 
under foot." So we see they subject themselves 
to the lowest degradation. 

Joel i, 5, " Awake, ye drunkards." We see 
from this that drunkards do not understand their 
danger, nor can they be useful to their own fami- 
lies, or to anybody else. 

Nahum i, 10, " For while they be folden to- 
gether as thorns, and while they are drunken as 
drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully 
dry." This argues that, while in this situation, 
they are in danger of being burned in the fire 
of hell. 

Job xii, 25, " They grope in the dark without 
light, and he maketh them to stagger like a 
drunken man." We here learn that the bruises, 
suffering shame and disgrace, do not constitute 
the punishment due to sin, but are to be con- 
sidered only as a natural consequence. 

Jer. xxiii, 9, " I am like a drunken man, and 
like a man whom wine hath overcome." So we 
see that he that might be lord over himself, has 
become so weak and insensible, that the vilest 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 301 

and weakest person may rob, abuse, and even 
destroy his life. 

Last fall, when I was returning from New- 
York on board a steamboat, a number of young 
men, who otherwise might have been gentlemen, 
caroused at the bar till after one in the morning, 
when, all of a sudden, one of their number came 
tumbling as a dead man from the head of the 
stairs down into the cabin opposite my berth. I 
complained to the captain of the impropriety of 
such disorder, but without effect. However, 
he appeared like a conscience-smitten man. I 
thought at first that I would remove the young 
man to some more comfortable place ; but on a 
second thought concluded if I touched him, and 
he should be robbed, I might be accused. So I 
stood by him, and preached to every man that 
came by for three quarters of an hour. Among 
other things, I exclaimed, " See here, gentlemen, 
were this your son, how would you feel ? Has 
this dear boy a mother, how must her heart 
break when she hears this ! Tell it not in Gath, 
publish it not in Askelon." 

People became so addicted to this practice, 
that even sacramental occasions were desecrated 
with the crime of drunkenness. See 1 Cor. xi, 
21, " And another is drunken." 

1 Thess. v, 7. This practice, it appears, was 
a subject of disgrace in former days ; men chose 
the darkness of the night ; if it was lawful and 
proper, why did they not let it come to the light ? 



302 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

But all iniquity becomes hateful by practice, and 
destroys that due self-respect that every man 
ought to value. "They that be drunken, are 
drunken in the night." 

Ecclesiastes x, 17, " Blessed art thou, O land ! 
when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy 
princes eat in due season, for strength, and not 
for drunkenness." 

Ezekiel xxiii, 33, " Thou shalt be filled with 
drunkenness and sorrow." These two invariably 
go together. 

Luke xxi, 34, " And take heed to yourselves, 
lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with 
surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this 
life, and so that day come upon you unawares." 

Romans xiii, 13, " Let us walk honestly, as in 
the day ; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in 
chambering and wantonness, not in strife and 
envying." This practice opens a door to all 
kinds of wickedness. 

Gal. v, 21, " Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 
revelings, and such like ; of the which I tell you 
before, as I have also told you in time past, that 
they which do such things shall not inherit the 
kingdom of God." Here the climax is fixed: 
heaven is shut up against such characters. 

The article, alcohol, is not guilty for having 
been introduced into the community. It has been 
produced from simple native vegetables. 

Alcohol has grown gray in the rapid destruc- 
tion of thousands. As the value or worthlessness 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OT JOHN BANGS. 803 

of a thing may be ascertained by use and ex- 
amination, so alcohol is found to be worse than 
a nuisance in human society. And as it cannot 
be legally bound or banished to some desolate 
island, we will offer to the conscience-smitten 
holders, drinkers, and venders of it, a way for its 
entire and final destruction. None but human 
beings will make use of it, unless compelled 
against their will and appetite. 

The medicine that is to be made use of for 
its banishment, expatriation, or destruction, we 
shall call arsenic; this is, at once, one of the 
most powerful poisons and antidotes known. It 
will, therefore, produce a slow but sure death. 
To speak plainly, good sound logic, common 
sense, and reason not trammeled with interest, 
nor blinded by prejudice or party, will be effectual 
to remove this heavy burden and curse from our 
nation. The onslaught of logic, common sense, 
and reason, will be similar to that which occurred 
in France, made by a coalition of the nations 
round about, when Bonaparte was stopped in 
his work of destruction. Then our nation will 
be delivered from the degradation of drunk- , 
enness. 

When all parties are willing that God's word 
should be the rule, there will be no disagreement. 

I will here exhibit a few reasons why gluttony 
is a sin. In the first place, it stupefies and unfits 
man for decent society and useful service. We 
ask, what i3 gluttony ? It consists in habitually 



304 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

partaking of a superabundant quantity of food, 
more than is strictly necessary to support nature. 
We offer a thought here that probably may meet 
with an objector. We think that the derange- 
ment of the stomach, the brain, the nerves, and 
limbs — in a word, physical derangement in gene- 
ral — is owing to too great a demand made upon 
the system, arising from taking too large a por- 
tion of the principle of vegetation. From chemi- 
cal experiment we see that the God of nature has 
so ordained that the food that man partakes of 
should contain all and everything necessary to 
cause a vivid and • energetic state in the whole 
system. From this data, it does not require 
much argument ; for every man, by the exercise 
of his own reason and judgment, will be led to 
decide correctly, he will be able to see that, if he 
allows himself to take any quantity of vegetation, 
or the extract, more than nature requires, it con- 
stitutes him a drunkard or a glutton in the sight 
of God. 

Drunkenness and gluttony are the great and 
powerful evils, which lead the children of men 
gradually to fall into all the minor evils which 
prophets, our Lord, and his apostles, have set 
forth in the Holy Scriptures. 

Now men are not to be frightened from these 
sinful and ruinous practices. If the aged, who 
are confirmed in them, are reformed, it must be 
by persuasive force. The matter of the evil and 
reform must be made a subject of reflection and 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OP JOHN BANGS. 305 

consideration ; by this course the proper decision 
of the mind may be arrived at. 

"We think the readiest way to remedy all these 
evils together, is to instill into the minds of the 
young, as soon as they are capable of instruction, 
the awful wrong of such abominations — because 
the Almighty strictly forbids them — then let it be 
shown from God's holy word. 



INFANT BAPTISM— CHURCH MEMBERSHIP— 
THE MINISTRY. 

In reference to the Discipline of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, I wish to make a few re- 
marks : 1st. Upon the subject of infant baptism ; 
2d. With reference to the conditions required 
for church membership; 3d. On candidates for 
the ministry, and their qualifications. 

1st. Sec. It. The ministration of baptism to 
infants. — We think, in the first place, that "being 
delivered from thy wrath " is an improper phrase, 
because the infant is in no way an offender, for 
the reason that' the infant is incapable of com- 
mitting crime. God's " wrath," in Scripture, is 
"his holy and just indignation against sin." 
How an infant child can be rooted in love, 
through sanctification, not having any know- 
ledge, either of the operations of the divine Spirit, 
or by faith, by which every blessing is received, 
I cannot see. Now, what God has provided for 
infants, through the death and atonement of 



306 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

Jesus Christ, is as a legacy made over, perma- 
nent and sure. And this we consider to be, 
first, to be delivered from the guilt and condem- 
nation of Adam's sin, and consequently in a 
state of justification of life ; if so, that they shall, 
through the same atonement, live in heaven for 
ever. These things being so, these characters 
have an undoubted right to baptism, which when 
performed is a fulfillment of the requirement of 
the law, which God's missionaries are required 
faithfully to perform. We cannot find that we 
have any authority, from the word of God, to 
pray, or to believe, that the grace of regeneration, 
in baptism or otherwise, is to be communicated 
to the unconscious infant; but we do believe 
that infants who have arrived to the " knowledge 
of good," with the adult believer, may receive 
the gift of the Holy Ghost to renew the soul. 

Now that the Holy Ghost is a blessing to be 
looked for by all who receive the ordinance of 
baptism, by that faith that acknowledges Jesus 
Christ in his true character, the word of God 
abundantly testifies. This blessing was impart- 
ed at the time the Apostle Paul baptized the 
twelve disciples that were formerly baptized un- 
der John's baptism. John said of himself that 
he must decrease, and consequently his baptism 
must decrease. 

Peter said, " Repent and be baptized, every 
one of you, for the remission of sins," which 
brought them into a justified state, " and ye shall 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 307 

receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is the 
only essential baptism which renews the soul 
wholly. So according to the lowest degree of 
knowledge and faith to the highest degree, this 
blessing will be imparted. 

In regard to the other two particulars, my ob- 
ject shall be to direct a course to be pursued, in 
order to raise and perpetuate a holy church. It 
cannot be said properly, that the church of Christ 
can be anything less, for they are everywhere 
exhorted to get on to the full stature of men and 
women in Christ Jesus. 

We consider that it is necessary in every 
enterprise that there should be some definite 
object, and laudable and suitable means ob- 
served to obtain the same. 

Now the great object for human happiness is 
heaven. 

The means to be observed for the attainment 
of this object must be nothing more nor less 
than God has prescribed in his holy word. We 
must have particular and strict reference to what 
he himself has said. 

Let every man of common intellect make the 
requisite inquiries. 

In reference to the second particular, in order 
that there may be a holy church raised in gene- 
ral, there must be a positive requirement that will 
raise the mind to this high standard. Let every 
person who is presented for full membership in 
the church be required to answer these plain 



308 AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 

questions, from the Discipline, in the affirma- 
tive : — 

" 1. Have you the forgiveness of your sins ? 

" 2. Have you peace with God, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ ? 

" 3. Have you the witness of God's Spirit 
with your spirit, that you are a child of God ? 

" 4. Is the love of God shed abroad in your 
heart ? 

" 5. Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion 
over you ?" 

After saying, Have you been baptized? we 
think, that in the fourth and fifth questions we 
learn the high estate of Christianity, according 
to the present state of knowledge we possess. 

We further observe, in connection with the 
third particular, that there must be a holy minis- 
try, in order to perpetuate a holy church. From 
the bowels of such a church we may reasonably 
expect such a ministry. 

We consider that going on to perfection, 
" Do you expect to be made perfect in love in 
this life ?" is in connection with faith in Christ. 

After these questions, let each candidate for 
ordination be asked, Have you attained to these 
blessings, which are so highly necessary for the 
great and important work into which you are 
about to enter ? If he answer in the affirmative, 
pass him. If not, let him remain in statu quo 
until he can give the conference " satisfaction." 

If this qualification cannot be attained to, then 



AUTO-BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN BANGS. 309 

it is unreasonable. But we think we have abun- 
dant proof from the Scripture, that it not only 
may, but must be acquired. And even if the 
candidate were to tarry long in Jerusalem, he is 
not properly authorized and qualified for this 
work until he have this power from on high. 
We think this course pursued will perpetuate a 
holy church. 



APPENDIX. 



A PEDIGREE OF THE BANGS' FAMILY. 

I am indebted to the kindness of my brother, the 
Rev. Dr. Bangs, of New- York, for the following ge- 
nealogical minute of the Bangses. I copy it from the 
original, which is in my father's own hand-writing. 

After it, will be found a more particular and extended 
account, prepared by T. Dwight Bangs, Esq. 

A GENEALOGY OF THE BANGSES. 

According to my father's account, my great grand- 
father came from the Isle of Man ; my grandfather's 
name was Samuel. 

My father's name was Joseph, of the town of 
Harwich, in the county of Barnstable, on Cape Cod, 
Massachusetts. He died in Phillip's Patent, in the 
state of New- York, in 1757. 

(Dated 1813.) Lemuel Bangs. 

A RECORD 

Of the Bangs' family, prepared by Edward Bangs, 
descendant of Edward Bangs, who emigrated from 
England, and arrived at Plymouth, July, 1623 ; with 
additions, preparedly T. Dwight Bangs, also a descend- 
ant of the first Edward Bangs, who came over in 1 623. 
First, the part prepared by Edward D. Bangs ; style 

and orthography both original. 

Edward Bangs, the first of my paternal ancestors 



312 APPENDIX. 

of whom I can obtain any information, was, according 
to tradition in the v family, a native or inhabitant of 
Chichester, a city in the county of Sussex, England. 
He is supposed to be the ancestor of all by the name 
of Bangs now in America. He was born in 1592, 
and died in 1678, aged 86. He came to America in 
the Anne, one of the three first vessels which arrived 
at Plymouth. The other two were the May-Flower 
and the Fortune ; and the passengers in these three 
vessels are commonly called the Pilgrims, as they 
united in forming the government, dividing the lands,&c. 

The May- Flower arrived in December, 1620, with 
Carver, Bradford, &c. The Fortune arrived Novem- 
ber, 1621, and the Anne, July, 1623. 

In 1644, Edward Bangs, with his family, moved to 
a new settlement on Cape Cod, at the spot, or near it, 
where the Pilgrims first set foot on land, previous to 
their final landing at Plymouth. This settlement, for 
some time, retained the Indian name of Naw-set, but 
afterward was named Eastham, a name still belonging 
to a part of the territory. The place where the new 
settlers located themselves must have been that part, 
or near that of Harwich, now called Brewster, as the 
descendants of Edward Bangs, for several generations, 
are interred in the burial ground at Brewster, where 
several of their tomb-stones still remain with legible in- 
scriptions . Edward Bangs, probably, died and was buried 
in the same place ; but no vestiges of his grave remain. 

Captain Jonathan Bangs (son of the preceding) was 
born at Plymouth, in 1640. This appears by the in- 
scription on his tomb-stone ; for there are no records 
of births prior to 1647 in the Old Colony Records. He 
was married at Eastham, July, 1664, to Mary Mays. 



APPENDIX. 313 

He died at Harwich (now Brewster) 1728, aged 88. 
His wife, Mary, died in 1711, aged 66. He had a 
second wife, named Sarah. 

Captain Edward Bangs (son of the preceding) was 
bom at Eastham, Sept. 30, 1665. He died May 22, 
1746, aged 81. His wife, Ruth, died June 22, 1738, 
aged 68. 

Mr. Edward Bangs (son of the preceding) was born 
in Harwich, in 1694. He died at the same place, 
June 3, 1755, aged 61. His wife, Sarah, died Aug. 8, 
1727, aged 25. 

Mr. Benjamin Bangs (son of the preceding, and my 
grandfather) was born at Harwich, June 24, 1721 ; 
married Jan. 4, 1749, O. S., to Desire Dillingham. 
Desire Dillingham w r as born Nov. 30, 1729. Ben- 
jamin Bangs died October 31, 1769, and his widow, 
Desire Bangs, in October, 1807. Their issue was, 
Joshua, Isaac, Lydia, Edward, Benjamin, Desire, 
Mehitabel, and Elisha ; all now deceased. The last, 
Mehitabel, died January, 1835. 

Hon. Edward Bangs (my father) was born at Har- 
wich, Sept. 5, 1756, died June 28, 1818. He was mar- 
ried, Sept. 18, 1788, to Hannah Lynde, of Charlestown, 
who died Sept. 10, 1806. Their children, Edward 
Dillingham, Joshua, and Anna. The two last deceased. 

Edward Dillingham Bangs (the writer of these 
minutes) was born at Worcester, August 24, 1790 ; 
married April 12, 1824, to Mary Grosvner, daughter 
of the late Mr. Moses Grosvner, of West Springfield, 
and grand-daughter of Captain Reuben Sikes, late of 
West Springfield. We have no children. 

The following are the dates of the births and deaths 
of my ancestors down to myself : 
14 



314 APPENDIX. 

Born. Died. Born. Died, 

Edward Bangs .. 1592— 1678. Benjamin Bangs 1721—1769. 

Jonathan Bangs 1640—1728. Desire, his wife 1729—1807, 

Mary, his wife .. 1645—1711. Edward Bangs .. 1756—1818. 

Edward Bangs.. 1665— 1746. Hannah, his wife 1760—1806. 

Ruth, his wife .. 1670—1738. Edward D. Bangs 1790—* * 

Edward Bangs.. 1694—1755. Mary, his wife .. 1800—* * 
Sarah, his wife.. 1702—1727. 

REMARKS. 

The name of Bangs is not of very frequent occur- 
rence. All of the name, with whom I am acquainted, 
trace their descent to ancestors in the old colony ; and 
I suppose are the posterity of Edward Bangs, who 
came over in 1623. There are a considerable number 
of the name in Boston, most of whom are children and 
grand-children of my uncle, Benjamin Bangs. There 
are also a considerable number of Bangses in various 
parts of Cape Cod and Plymouth county. There are 
several families in the western counties of Massa- 
chusetts, who derived their origin from the same an- 
cestor, and some in Vermont, New-Hampshire, &c. 

An old lady of the name died a few years since in 
Vermont, aged about one hundred years. I recollect 
receiving an account of a sermon being preached on 
the occasion of her attaining to the age of a century. 

In England, the name occurs still more rarely than 
in this country. It is sometimes met with, but very 
seldom. I have seen it mentioned only twice in Eng- 
lish publications. Some have supposed it to be a 
corruption from Banks, a common name in England. 
Others give to it a Danish origin ; and I have been 
told that a name, nearly similar in its orthography, is 
common in Denmark. The Rev. William Jenks, D. D., 
of Boston, has in his possession a pamphlet, the author 



APPENDIX. 315 

of which is named Bangius ; printed, I believe, in 
Copenhagen. The name, where it first occurs in the 
Old Colony Records, is spelt Bangs, as it now is ; 
but, for many years, appears to have been more fre- 
quently spelled Banges, and is so inscribed .on some of 
the earlier tomb-stones. I have an old silver tankard, 
marked E. B. on the handle, which has been in the 
family for several generations — how long, I do not 
know. In the Old Colony Records, copies of which 
are in the secretary's office in Boston, there are very 
numerous instances in which our ancestors are men- 
tioned ; one or two I will mention. In 1623, divisions 
of lands were made among the settlers at Plymouth. 
And there is a record of the sales of their grounds 
which came over in the ship Anne. Among these is 
the name of Bangs, (no Christian name then inserted,) 
to whom four acres are assigned, which appears to be 
a little above the average quantity ; some having six 
or eight acres, but many only one. The quantity pro- 
bably depended, in part at least, upon the number in 
their respective families. The portion of "Bangs," 
was among those which are described as lying on the 
other side of town, toward the Eel River. In 1627, 
at a publique court held the 22d of May, it was agreed 
to divide the stock, by lot, among the companies of 
the three ships, the May-Flower, Fortune, and Anne. 
The whole were divided into twelve companies, and 
lots were drawn. Edward Bangs was in the twelfth, 
with twelve other persons. To this lot fell the great 
white-backed cow, which was brought over with the 
first in the Anne ; to which cow the keeping of the 
bull was joined for thes p-sons to p r vide for her, also 
two she-goats. In 1627 a new division of lands was 
made, of twenty acres to each person, in addition to the 



316 



APPENDIX. 



lands formerly divided. Six persons were appointed 
" layers out," viz., William Bradford, Edward Winslow, 
John Howland, Francis Cook, Joshua Pratt, and Ed- 
ward Bangs. 

Second Part. The following will show directly 
from whom my father, Zenas Bangs, was descended, 
and where Edward Dillingham Bangs' and Zenas 
Bangs' ancestor ceased to be the same : — 

I am a son of Zenas, a descendant of the first Ed- 
ward, who came from England in 1623. 

My descent is as follows, beginning 

with Edward Bangs, the first who 

came to America, and following 

down to myself. 

Born. Died. 
*Edward Bangs.. 1592—1678 
Jonathan Bangs.. 1640—1728 
Mary, his wife .. 1645—1711 
Edward Bangs .. 1665—1746 
Ruth, his wife .. 1670—1738 
Jona. Bangs, near 1699 — * * 
(Wife's name, Phoebe, I think, 

though uncertain.) 
Allen Bangs .... 1733—1793 
Rebecca, his wife 1731—1793 
Zenas Bangs .... 1763—1828 
t Abigail, his wife 1781—1827 
T. Dwight Bangs, the writer of 
this document 1816— ** 



The descent of Edward D. Bangs is as 
follows ; commencing the same as 
mine; viz., with the first Edward 
Bangs who came to America. 

Born. Died. 
Edward Bangs .. 1592—1678 
Jonathan Bangs.. 1640—1728 
Mary, his wife 
Edward Bangs 
Ruth, his wife . 
Edward Bangs 
Sarah, his wife .. 1702—1727 
Benjamin Bangs 1721—1769 
Desire, his wife.. 1729—1807 
Edward Bangs .. 1756—1818 
Hannah, his wife 1760—1806 
Edward D. Bangs, 1790— * * 
Mary, his wife .. 1800—* * 



1645—1711 
1665—1746 
1670—1738 
1694—1755 



{Prepared for Rev. Nathan Bangs, D. D., of New-York, by 
T. Dwight Bangs, of Lima, Livingston county, New-York, 
Sept,30, 1837.) 

* You will notice that each following is the son of the preceding ; thus, 
Jonathan is the son of the first Edward ; the second Edward the son of 
first Jonathan, &c. 

t My father's first wife's name was Ruth. Allen, the oldest of my half- 
brothers, lives in Springfield, Hampden county, Mass. He has a family 
of six children. His oldest daughter's name is Mary, a very common name 
in our family. I am the fourth son of Zenas Bangs, by his second wife. 



APPENDIX. 317 

Lima, October 2, 1837. 
Rev. N. Bangs : 

Dear Sir, — Not having all the information de- 
sirable when I saw you last fall, I thought that I would 
postpone furnishing this record, (that is, the inclosed,) 
until I could make additional inquiries. Accordingly, 
after leaving New-York, I proceeded to Springfield, 
where I obtained some information. I next went to 
Boston, where I found several by the name of Bangs ; 
but none who were able to give me much additional 
information concerning our common ancestor. From 
Boston I proceeded to Cape Cod. There I found two 
uncles, Jonathan and Allen, who reside in South Dennis. 
From them, in connection with an aunt, I obtained what 
you will find on the fourth page of the inclosed record. 
Uncle Jonathan, and the above-mentioned aunt, Phebe 
Crowel, are not far from ninety years old. Both are 
healthy, and able to do a comfortable day's work yet. 
Returning, I called on Edward D. Bangs, Esq., of 
Worcester, who has been secretary of the state of 
Massachusetts for several years, but now is practicing 
law in Worcester. From him I have obtained much 
of my knowledge of the Bangs' family. He showed 
me the silver tankard, mentioned in the within record ; 
also the family coat of arms, which exceeds, in cu- 
rious workmanship, anything of the kind I ever saw. 
It was wrought by Edward D.'s great aunt, or great 
great aunt. It is in a frame, eighteen inches or two 
feet square. It is composed of narrow strips of paper, 
rolled into a conical form ; so that the work appears 
like carved wood, overlaid with gold. The paper (that 
is, one edge) was covered with gold leaf before it was 
rolled into the little cones that compose the work. 



318 APPENDIX. 

This came near being destroyed when Charlestown 
was burned. I have many other particulars that I 
should like to write ; but Dr. Luckey waits for 
these, therefore I must hasten. A few more, and I 
am done. 

I believe the Bangses have generally been active and 
useful men in the world. I know many who have 
filled many important civil, military, and ecclesiastical 
offices. 

Please acknowledge the receipt of the inclosed 
record, and oblige your friend. Also I should like all 
the information you can furnish me concerning your 
ancestors, &c. 

Please accept this token of regard from yours most 
cordially, T. Dwight Bangs. 



RULES FOR CHILDREN TO OBSERVE. 

1. That they always remember that the eye of the 
great and merciful God is upon them both night and 
day. 

2. That they be honest and upright, in all their 
actions. 

3. That they speak the truth always. 

4. That they use no bad words nor ill names, nor 
mock the blind, lame, deformed, or afflicted. 

5. That they shun the company of wicked boys and 
girls, and avoid all fighting, quarreling, and brawling. 

6. That they love and honor their parents. 

7. That they be civil and obliging to everybody 
about them, and strive to do to everybody as they 
would be done by. 



APPENDIX. 819 

8. That they frequently and diligently read the 
Scriptures at home, in order to learn their duty to God 
and man on earth, and how to obtain eternal happiness 
in heaven. 

9. That they attend as often as they have oppor- 
tunity the public worship of God, and behave with 
reverent attention while in his house. 

10. That they live in the practice of private prayer 
at least twice a day, morning and evening. 

11. That they indulge in no more sleep than is 
strictly necessary. That they be industrious and faith- 
ful in their calling, whatever it may be. 

3 2. That they Be thankful to God for all his mercies, 
especially for his great mercy in giving his Son to die 
for them. 

13. That they endeavor to imitate the example of the 
blessed Jesus, who, as he increased in stature, increased 
also in wisdom and in favor with God and man. 

And, lastly, that they never make use of any spiritu- 
ous liquors, wine, strong beer, cider, tobacco, or snuff, 
unless in case of extreme necessity. 



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